Motorists are facing delays on the M54 today following a lorry fire. Road users have been advised to seek out alternative routes as traffic remains backed up on the westbound stretch of motorway.
Football fans heading to tonight's Shrewsbury Town match in particular are being asked to plan their journeys to avoid missing the 7pm kick off. The Shropshire carriageway has been closed since just before 8.30am this morning (September 19) when an HGV travelling between junctions 3 for Cosford and 4 for Castlefarm Interchange caught fire.
The lorry was severely damaged and its almost full tank of diesel ruptured, spilling across both lanes, damaging the surface and making it unsafe to drive on. National Highways emergency response teams have treated the carriageway using absorbent granules and a high pressure cleaning method called hydro-blasting which has enabled lane two to be temporarily reopened to carefully release all remaining trapped traffic.
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However, the whole carriageway is so badly damaged it needs to be resurfaced to ensure it is safe for drivers to use. A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The carriageway will remain closed for the rest of the day and into the evening until this is completed. Traffic should follow the solid circle diversion.
"Leave the M54 at junction 3 and take the third exit on to the A41. Continue on the A41 until the roundabout with the A5 and take the first exit on to the A5 until the roundabout with the A4640 and take the first exit. Continue on the A4640 to re-join the M54 at junction 4.
"Drivers are advised to check their route before setting off using www.trafficengland.com and to keep updated by following @HighwaysWMIDS on X (Twitter)."
