It was a rough morning for thousands of drivers on the M42 today. The motorway was completely closed in both directions between Junction 4 (Shirley) and Junction 5 (Solihull) due to a police-led incident involving a man's welfare. The closure started around 6:30 AM and has caused massive traffic jams, airport panic, and emotional strain.
As of now, the road is still shut, and reopening is expected by late morning, but delays could last longer depending on how fast police clear the area.
M42 Closed: What’s Happening Right Now?
There’s no accident or vehicle collision involved, which confused many people. Instead, police were called to respond to a welfare concern involving a man on a bridge near the motorway. For safety reasons, both sides of the M42 were shut down completely.
Cars have been stuck in 2–3 miles of traffic, and drivers have waited for hours. It's not just commuters — families trying to catch flights at Birmingham Airport are also stuck.
Delays and Real Frustration from Locals
It’s hot today, nearly 25 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit), and for many cars on the M42, there simply isn't sufficient fuel or AC to sustain it in the heat. Drivers are getting out of their vehicles, walking around, or just sitting in silence. This is more than a delay: it's draining your life energy.
On Instagram, multiple local commuters had shared videos of the lanes being jammed, and people standing about the road stretching or sitting on barriers.
Why This Feels Different Than a Usual Traffic Jam
People don’t just feel frustration, we feel exhausted. What is different?
- No notice: The closure hit in peak am travel without a heads-up.
- Heat risk: Sitting in the car with the sun beating down is exacerbating the situation.
- No smart motorway relief: The emergency triggered full closure so even smart lanes and refuge bays are dead to you.
When Will the M42 Open Again?
As of now (10:45 AM), National Highways and West Midlands Police have not specified a time for reopening but advised that the closure is expected for 'several hours'.
⚠️ Latest intel suggests:
- Reopening could be around late morning; (Approximately, 11:30 AM –12 PM).
- Delays could continue into the early afternoon, especially with back logs in traffic.
Until then, drivers are being diverted through alternate local roads, and public transport is being recommended.
Small Acts of Help Behind the Scenes
What’s not being talked about enough is the quiet teamwork happening behind the scenes. Some examples:
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HS2 workers helping out near the area, guiding cars and offering water.
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Trains from Solihull and Shirley added extra carriages to help commuters.
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Police rest points were opened to help stranded drivers get out of their cars, breathe, and grab some water.
This wasn’t just about traffic — it became a community moment.
Best Detour Routes to Avoid the Blockage
If you're planning to travel through this area, use these routes instead:
🟢 Northbound (J4 → J5)
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A34 → B4025 → B4102 → reconnect at J5
🔴 Southbound (J5 → J4)
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Reverse of the above
🔁 Tips to stay safe and cool:
- Keep a supply of bottled water in your vehicle
- Don't leave the engine running for prolonged periods while in traffic
- Allow yourself times to ventilate the vehicle by cracking the windows
- Take breaks if and when it is safe to do so
M42 Closure Shows That Our Roads Are Extremely Delicate
This incident illustrates how just one instance — a police incident — can shut down an area. Blame is not the goal, but it leads to questions:
- What happens when smart motorways cannot help?
- What do emergency services do when every avenue is blocked and they cannot go faster?
- What about those stuck with health issues while they are delayed for long periods?
It's an imperative to note that traffic systems must have a better back-up plan, especially in hot weather or during times of distress, as noted here.
Final Words
Today’s M42 closure hit harder than usual. It wasn’t just a jam — it was stressful, sweaty, and a bit scary. People weren’t sure what to do, but many helped each other. While police worked to keep someone safe, the rest of us got a little reminder: sometimes, a stranger offering water on the road can save your day more than any traffic app.
If you're traveling later today, keep checking for updates and take care. Roads will reopen — but until then, patience, kindness, and a bottle of water go a long way.
