A STUDY is being carried out into traffic flows as a result of controversial lane closures on the M5 motorway, which is directing floods of drivers through Bromsgrove.

Works to repair the deteriorating viaduct at Oldbury, between junctions 1 and 2, are already underway, and are not expected to be completed until autumn 2018.

The £100 million scheme means drivers are being diverted an extra 20 miles via the M42 in Bromsgrove, or face a 30mph contraflow system along the M5.

It comes as a kick in the teeth to Bromsgrove residents who have only just seen the disruption along the A38 due to M5 ‘smart motorway’ works end.

Highways England have said they will carry out a study into traffic flows to see if further steps can be taken to ease the impact of the scheme.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid wants changes to ease congestion to be a "priority".

He said: "This is disappointing.

“Residents across Bromsgrove constituency should not have to face additional congestion.

“I've already contacted the chief executive at Highways England on behalf of constituents, to ensure affected communities in my constituency are considered in these plans, as a priority."

Highways England will be monitoring traffic on a daily basis.

Senior project manager Zbigniew Twarowski added: “We understand the concerns of local communities and partners about the immediate impact of our improvement work on the M5 at Oldbury.

“We’re monitoring traffic on a daily basis as motorists get used to the new layouts and over the coming weeks we’ll be carrying out a further study into traffic flows around Oldbury and the wider area.

“When we get the results we can then look at anything further we can do to ease the impact on local residents and motorists.

“In the meantime, we’re continuing to work with partners like local councils as we try to balance the flow of traffic across the region to minimise wider disruption.

“Together we’re currently assessing what other measures can be used, including more signs to inform people of real time traffic conditions. Motorists can then make more informed choices about which route they take and how long their journey is likely to be.

“We’d ask for people’s continued patience while this essential work takes place.”