Motorists are being warned of potential traffic chaos on Easter Monday after a major incident on a crucial motorway route, with millions expected to travel today.
National Highways has warned that the M42 in Warwickshire has been closed southbound between Junction 10 (Tamworth) and Junction 9 (Curdworth).
It comes after a serious collision that was first reported just after midnight, with the road closure continuing into the morning.
Keeping drivers updated on the situation, the West Midlands branch of National Highways provided the latest developments on social media.
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The M42 remains closed to traffic
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
It announced that Warwickshire Police are still in attendance and have been leading the response through the night.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, it announced: “There is not yet an estimated time for re-opening. Please allow extra time.”
National Highways Traffic Officers are also on the scene assisting with traffic management, with the carriageway expected to remain closed for several hours.
Road users in and around the area are advised to follow the “Solid Triangle” diversion symbol on road signs, exit the M42 at J10 and take the A5 westbound Watling Street.
They can then continue along the A5 westbound to its junction with the A452, Bonehill Road, before taking the exit to the A453 southbound and continuing to its junction with the A446, Bassetts Pole.
When taking the exit to the A446 eastbound, drivers can continue to Junction 9 of the M42 to rejoin the flow of traffic.
Traffic cameras along the motorway show the road completely empty, despite forecasts that traffic would be affected by the volume of vehicles on the road.
Data from the RAC and traffic experts Inrix suggested that more than two million vehicles would be on the road today, April 1.
Andy Butterfield, Customer Services Director at National Highways said: “This is the first bank holiday of the year, so we expect the roads to be busy with people looking to make the most of a long weekend.
“We encourage people to plan ahead and prepare their cars in advance for long journeys as this can help reduce the risk of breakdowns.”
Further estimates urged drivers to avoid travelling between 10am and 12pm, with the best time to travel being after 8pm.
It was predicted that Good Friday would see the worst of the traffic with almost 2.7 million leisure trips being taken by Britons looking to make use of the bank holiday weekend.
Inrix data showing the amount of potential delays around the UK
INRIX
Damon Jowett, Director of Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag, commented: “The Easter Bank Holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on our roads and heavy traffic is inevitable.
“We’re urging drivers to make sure their vehicles are road trip ready and to take precautions to avoid the possibility of a breakdown.
“Many families also head overseas for the long weekend, so it’s important they make sure they’re fully prepared and aware of local laws, weather conditions and processes in case of any issues.”