Drivers have been warned of road closures along a major motorway for the rest of the year as vital maintenance work gets underway.
National Highways is set to begin revamping the M50 in the West Midlands to help ensure the road remains flood-resistant following spouts of damage and delays caused by excessive rainfall.
The need for the project comes after reports found that during heavy rains, the drainage system fails to effectively remove the water from the road, leading to huge floods.
As part of the improvements, National Highways said it will work on cleaning, repairing and removing vegetation from the drainage system between M50 junction 4 and M5 junction 8.
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|National Highways will close the M50 junction 4 and the M5 junction 8 throughout the year to work on drainage
National Highways Project Manager Dan Bothwick said: "We know there have been issues with flooding in some areas along this route, and so we are taking action to repair and improve drainage along the length of the motorway.
"There is a lot of ground to cover, and we appreciate this will cause some disruption for road users and communities, but we will do the work at night when we know traffic numbers are lower."
He explained that once the project has been completed, drainage will be improved, making a safer carriageway for road users.
Work on the project will begin on Monday, July 28, with the agency explaining that it will be carried out in phases to reduce the impact on traffic and is expected to continue until next April.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|The diversion route has been put in place for drivers during the road closures
But to help avoid disruptions for drivers, the agency said it will do the majority of its roadworks overnight, between 8pm and 6am.
Bothwick added: "When it is essential that we close the road, we will also take the opportunity to carry out such important works as grass cutting, repairing barriers, cleaning signage and other tasks that would otherwise involve a further closure.
"We will consider whether any resurfacing work can be carried out and also carry out repairs to damaged safety netting between junctions 4 and 3. We want to utilise the closures as much as possible to avoid further disruption for drivers."
National Highways has advised that it will be closing the motorway several times throughout the year, beginning with dates in August.
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The agency shared that it will be carrying out essential maintenance work following recurring flooding issues along this route, which have caused persistent problems for motorists.
National Highways detailed how the work will aim to provide a safer carriageway for road users, with the agency hoping to make "every effort" to ensure the impact on the local community and travelling public is kept to a minimum.
"We always aim to work to the programme; however, unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes," the authority stated.
During the road closures, drivers have been advised to follow diversion routes in place, which will help alleviate traffic buildup.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
|Map of diversion route for drivers
The full list of closures:
Thursday August 14 to Tuesday, August 19 – full closure westbound from M5 junction 8 to M50 junction 2.
Wednesday, August 20 to Wednesday, August 27 – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 2 and M5 junction 8 (excluding bank holiday on Monday 25 August)
Thursday, August 28 to Tuesday, September 2 – full closure westbound between M50 junction 2 and M50 junction 4.
Friday, September 3 to Monday, September 8 – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 4 and M50 junction 2.
Monday, October 20 to Friday, November 14 – full closure westbound between M50 junction 2 and M50 junction 4.
Monday, November 17 to Wednesday, December 11 – full closure Eastbound between M50 junction 4 and M50 junction 2.
Wednesday, December 11 to Thursday, January 22, 2026 – full closure westbound between M50 junction 1 and M50 junction 2.
Thursday, January 22 to Thursday, February 19, 2026 – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 2 and M50 junction 1.
Thursday, February 19 to Thursday, February 26, 2026 – full closure westbound between M5 junction 8 and M50 junction 1.
Thursday, February 26 to Thursday, March 5, 2026 – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 1 to M5 junction 8.