M40 Traffic Update Today: A crash near M42 Junction 3A has caused major delays for M40 drivers today, with diversions in place and traffic disruption across Solihull and surrounding routes. Motorists travelling through the West Midlands are facing significant delays today after a crash near M42 Junction 3A led to the closure of part of the motorway and triggered knock-on congestion on routes connected to the M40 corridor.
According to National Highways West Midlands, the northbound M42 between Junction 3A (Hockley Heath) and Junction 4 (Dorridge) was closed on Thursday morning following a collision that resulted in a substantial fuel spillage across the carriageway.
Why is There Traffic on the M40 Today?
National Highways confirmed that emergency services, including Warwickshire Police, attended the scene after the crash.
“Emergency services including Warwickshire Police are in attendance. National Highways contractors are en route to assist with traffic management and the fuel spillage,”
National Highways West Midlands said in an official update.
Because the M42 connects with key routes leading to the M40, M6 and Birmingham Airport area, traffic has built up rapidly on approach roads, causing delays for drivers travelling northbound from the M40 towards Birmingham and Solihull.
M40 Traffic Update Today: Affected Roads and Congestion Hotspots
The worst disruption is currently being reported on:
-
M42 northbound
between Junction 3A and Junction 4 -
M40 approach roads
connecting to the M42 interchange -
A3400
near Hockley Heath -
Local roads around Dorridge and Solihull
-
Routes towards Birmingham Airport and the NEC
Drivers are being advised to allow considerably more time for journeys through the area.
M42 Diversion Route in Place
National Highways has implemented an official diversion for northbound traffic.
Motorists are being directed to exit the M42 at Junction 3A, follow the A3400 northbound, continue towards Dorridge, and then rejoin the M42 at Junction 4.
However, traffic officials have warned that the diversion route is also becoming heavily congested due to the volume of redirected vehicles.
Is the M42 Reopened Yet? Latest Reopening Status
As of Thursday morning
As of the latest update, the M42 northbound between Junction 3A and Junction 4 remains closed while crews continue fuel spill cleanup operations, road safety inspections, vehicle recovery work and traffic management activities.
Reopening time
No confirmed time yet
National Highways has not confirmed a reopening time, and motorists are encouraged to check live traffic updates before travelling.
M40 Traffic Update Today: Travel Advice
If you are travelling on the M40 today
Recommended
-
Allow an extra 30–60 minutes for journeys through the Solihull area.
-
Consider alternative routes via the M5 or A46 where appropriate.
-
Avoid the M42 Junction 3A–Junction 4 section until the closure is lifted.
-
Monitor official traffic alerts from National Highways.
M40 Traffic Update Today: Helpline Numbers and Live Traffic Information
National Highways Customer Contact Centre
Traffic updates and assistance
0300 123 5000
Traffic England
Live motorway updates
trafficengland.com
Warwickshire Police (Non-emergency)
Traffic and incident enquiries
101
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
999
M40 Traffic Update Today: What Happened Near M42 Junction 3A?
The incident occurred early Thursday morning near Solihull, when a crash caused a significant fuel spill across the northbound carriageway. Emergency services closed the road to protect motorists while specialist contractors began cleanup operations.
Fuel spills can make motorway surfaces extremely slippery, meaning extensive treatment and safety inspections are required before traffic can safely resume.
M40 Traffic Update Today: Latest Traffic Outlook
Traffic conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the morning and potentially into the afternoon while recovery and cleanup work continue on the M42. Drivers using the M40, M42, A3400 and surrounding Solihull routes should expect ongoing delays and follow signed diversion routes.
(The information is based on inputs from agencies)
