M5 traffic: Motorists face long delays and six miles of congestion after lorry blaze stops motorists

In its most recent update, the National Highway West Midlands division has warned of 60-minute delays on the approach.

While the emergency services deal with the accident, traffic is slowly moving on the southbound carriageway as it passes the scene.

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Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways wrote that the lorry fire had been extinguished but traffic remains held as the fire service continues its work.

It added: “Traffic officers are also at the scene to assist traffic with management. Delays of 45 minutes are reported on approach.”

Hereford and Worcester Fire Service have confirmed that firefighters from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service are also attending the blaze.

Traffic has now been released on the M5 northbound between J8 M50 and J7 Worcester south.

However, lanes one and two (of three) of the carriageway remains closed with the fire service still at the scene.

It confirmed that traffic is still running in the third lane, exacerbating the long delays.

National Highways are warning of delays of 60 minutes and around six miles of congestion on the approach.

Normal traffic conditions are expected between 11am and 11.15am, with drivers facing chaos on their morning commute.

Traffic cameras from the scene show long delays as motorists prepare for the high levels of congestion.

Drivers who are expecting to use the M5 are also being warned of further delays from the Cheltenham festival taking place between Tuesday and Friday this week.

With more than 270,000 people expecting to attend the festival over the four days, drivers could face chaos on the roads as punters look to watch the races.

Motorists could see potential delays on the M5 between J9 and J11, on the A40 west of Junction 11 and on the A46 east of Junction 9.

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Experts have warned that the worst delays will generally be seen between 9.30am and 12.30pm each day. Friday could see additional traffic with the Gold Cup being awarded.