M6 reopens after lorry jack-knifed in Walsall, causing hours of disruption

The incident, which has resulted in debris strewn on the carriageway, happened between Junction 10 at Walsall and Junction 10a at Essington, near the M54 link.

It happened after a lorry struck the central reservation barrier at around 7.45am today (Saturday, March 29) resulting in the emergency services closing the northbound lanes to work at the scene. 

National Highways said both central reservation barriers were damaged in the collision and that lane four of the southbound carriageway was also closed, meaning two lanes were running southbound towards Walsall and Junction 10.

A statement from National Highways said: "Both directions of the central reservation were damaged in the collision which required immediate emergency repairs and an additional lane 4 (of 4) closure to be implemented on the southbound carriageway.

"Whilst one crew repaired the barrier a second crew treated the road surface following a substantial oil spillage from the collision.

"A lamppost within the central reservation was also torn down in the collision, electricians attended and the electrical connection has been made safe.

"Traffic caught within the closure was initially being turned and released via the rear of the queue using 'rearward relief', however a route past the scene was made safe and traffic was released more directly.

"Repairs were complete which allowed the northbound carriageway closure and southbound lane closure to be removed at around 1.25pm, however severe delays of 90 minutes above usual journey times remain on the M6 north approaching J10.

"The diversion route from the earlier closure is listed below for those road users that left the M6 prior to re-opening."

Diversion information

Drivers wishing to continue on the M54 westbound towards Telford and Shropshire should exit the M6 at J10 northbound and take the first exit onto the A454 west towards Wolverhampton. 

Continue on the A454 until its junction with the A4150, take the fourth exit onto the A4150 north. Continue on the A4150 until its junction with the A449, at the traffic lights turn right onto the A449 north. Continue on the A449 north to the Fordhouses Roundabout at M54 J2.To join the the M54 westbound take the second exit and to join the M54 eastbound take the fourth exit.

Drivers wishing to continue on the M6 northbound should follow the above diversion but at the Fordhouses Roundabout take the third exit to continue on the A449 Stafford Road. Remain on the A449 to reach the Gailey Island with the A5, taking the third exit onto the A5 eastbound route. Continue to the M6 J12 near Stafford and rejoin the M6.

The agency said drivers should allow extra journey time and plan ahead, change the route or even delay the journey.  

West Midlands Roads posted on X, formerly Twitter: "@WMRoads #M6 northbound between J10 #Walsall #Wolverhampton and J10a #M54.

"Motorway is closed. Jack-knifed lorry and debris. Congestion approaching closure. 

"Expect additional traffic on A454 Black Country Route as traffic diverts."