MOTORISTS are being urged to plan alternative routes to avoid the M5 in Oldbury as the next phase of a multi-million pound repair scheme gets underway.

Concrete repairs and waterproofing work at the Oldbury viaduct, between junctions 1 and 2, will begin at the end of this month.

To keep the motorway open, a contraflow system is being put in place, and from the end of July all traffic will be diverted onto the northbound carriageway, with two lanes operating in each direction, along with a 30mph speed limit.

Although slip roads will be kept open to ease the effects on the local network, drivers are being advised by Highways England to consider routes such as the M42 and M6 to avoid long delays.

Alastair Warnes, Highways England project manager, said: “We’re doing everything possible to plan and manage the roadworks in order to keep traffic moving, minimise disruption and maximise safety.

“That includes using the latest technology to help motorists adapt their journeys, using real time travel information to reduce delays as much as possible.”

The work to Oldbury viaduct – although the structure itself is safe, as it was built in the late sixties the work will help protect it for the future – is part of a major government investment which is hoped to support economic growth locally and in the wider West Midlands.

For more information about the work visit www.highways.gov.uk/oldburyviaduct

Changes include:

  • From early July: At the link between the M6 and the M5 southbound, one lane will lead onto the M5, with three lanes continuing onto the M6, to encourage drivers to take the alternative route around Birmingham.
  • From mid-July: At M5 junction 4a northbound, the layout will be changed to provide 2 dedicated lanes to the M42 and 2 dedicated lanes to the M5. The link between the M42 and the M5 northbound will also be changed to one lane.
  • From mid/late July: The M5 northbound at junction 4a will be further changed to provide one lane to the M5 through the junction while still providing 2 lanes to the M42. The M5 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction at Oldbury / West Bromwich in preparation for the contraflow.
  • End of July / start of August: Installation of contraflow on Oldbury viaduct.
  • For the first time upgraded travel information signs linked direct to the regional control centres that monitor traffic flows will provide real time travel advice.
  • These digital signs are being rolled out in the Midlands to coincide with work starting on the viaduct and can suggest multiple alternative routes with up to date travel times and distances.

Some of the suggested alternative routes for motorists include:

  • Southbound M6 traffic north of junction 16 (A500) heading South East use A50 / M1
  • Southbound M1 traffic north of junction 23A (A42/M42) heading South West use M69 and A46
  • Northbound M1 traffic south of junction 19 (M6) heading North West use M1 / A50
  • Westbound A14 traffic east of M1 heading North West use M1 / A50
  • Clockwise M25 traffic south of junction 16 (M40) heading North West use M1 / A50
  • Northbound M5 south of junction 8 (M50) heading for North Wales use M50 / A49
  • Northbound M5 south of junction 9 (A46) for North East use A46