M5 roadworks: Safety project on Oldbury viaduct remains on track

Highways England have been undertaking 'preparatory work' ahead of the main project starting on the M5 Oldbury Viaduct, between junctions 1 for West Bromwich and 2 for Oldbury.

Chiefs said that for safety reasons, they are completing the work using three narrow lanes on each carriageway with a 40mph speed limit and some overnight closures.

Highways England bosses said they have been working with local authorities to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum – and as a result of this work they have funded improvements to several of the busiest junctions in the area.

Three public information events have been held in Oldbury and West Bromwich.

Highways England were supported at these events by representatives of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and National Express, who were on hand to answer queries relating to alternative modes of travel.

They also partnered with the WMCA to promote alternative modes of travel by holding an exhibition on their display bus in Oldbury.

Repair works on the southbound carriageway are due to start this summer.

A Highways England statement said: "For these to take place they will need to close the carriageway and put in place a contraflow system with a 30mph speed limit.

"This means all traffic will be diverted onto the northbound carriageway, with two lanes operating in each direction, allowing us to keep this vital route open.

"To manage the volume of traffic through this section the following measures will be in place:

"Northbound at M5 junction 4a for Bromsgrove, there will be two lanes leading onto the M42, with one lane continuing onto the M5 to encourage drivers to take the alternative route around Birmingham

"At the link between the M6 and the M5 southbound, one lane will lead onto the M5, with three lanes continuing onto the M6

"There will be reduced speed limits on approach to the 30mph speed restriction between junctions 1 and 2."