Bank holiday weekend chaos begins as lorry crash and paint spill close M42 lanes
Drivers have been warned of severe delays after a lorry shed paint over the M42 motorway, between Junctions five for Solihull[1] and four for Shirley, near the NEC. National Highways West Midlands[2] traffic officers have been on the scene since 1.37pm this afternoon, with the group saying that the lanes will remain closed 'for some time' as the clear up of the paint continues.
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The large volume of paint could be seen spread across the roadThe crash comes as many rush to holiday destinations around the UK for the start of the last Bank Holiday weekend of the summer. A National Highways West Midlands spokesperson said: "M42 southbound between J5 Solihull and J4 Shirley.
"Clear up of paint on the road continues and will be for some time. Only one lane is open. Delays of approx 60 minutes from J6 NEC."
Earlier in the day, up to five miles of congestion and more than 60 minutes of delays were reported on the route due to the spill.
Pictures from the scene, taken by National Highways West Midlands, show the high volume of paint spread across the road, with road teams working to clear the spill.
The HGV has since been moved; however, delays remain.
References
- ^ Solihull (www.expressandstar.com)
- ^ National Highways West Midlands (www.expressandstar.com)
- ^ Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star's free newsletter (www.expressandstar.com)