Emergency resurfacing required on busy A449 near Wolverhampton after 'extensive' hydraulic fluid spillage shuts road

An 'extensive' spillage in Staffordshire led to the closure of the southbound A449 Stafford Road between the A5 at Gailey and the M54 at Coven Heath, with delays of up to 20 minutes being reported. 

The incident was first reported by National Highways West Midlands at around 12.15pm on Wednesday (May 21), with the entirety of the southbound stretch closed due to the incident. 

Now the organisation has said that due to the extent of the spillage, the road will have to be resurfaced after 'hydro blaster' machines proved ineffective. 

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The A449 is closed southbound between the A5 (Gailey) and the M54 Junction 2 due to a large spillage of hydraulic fluid. 

"Due to significant hydraulic fluid spillage, the use of a hydro blaster has proven ineffective and as a result, the road will require resurfacing. 

"If this closure impacts your planned route, please leave extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Road users are advised to follow 'hollowed circle' diversion signs. 

See the full recommended diverted route below:

• Exit the A449 at the A5 Gailey roundabout

• Take the first exit onto the A5 eastbound

• At the M6 roundabout take the third exit onto the M6 southbound

• Exit at J11

• Take the fourth exit off the roundabout onto the A460 southbound

• At the M54 roundabout take the third exit onto the M54 westbound 

• Exit at J2 to re-join the A449