Further closure M54 in Shropshire and Staffordshire this weekend
Drivers are advised of further repair work and a closure to the M54 eastbound between junction 3 and junction 2 this weekend as Highways England continues to repair concrete slabs.
Engineers have been working round the clock to repair the road surface since cracks were first discovered.
The eastbound carriageway has been open this week with limited lanes between junctions 3 and 2 during the day and evening.
Highways England will now need to close the eastbound carriageway between junctions 3 (Cosford) and 2 (i-54 site and Coven Island) completely over the weekend to get the majority of work done.
The closure will start at 8pm on Friday. It is hoped this section will be reopened by Monday morning – however, the repairs may take longer if the weather is particularly bad.
Ian Askew, asset development team leader at Highways England said:
We’ve been working all hours to try to get this fixed. Further investigations have found extensive wear to the road foundations. This means we have had to dig much deeper to get to the root cause and repair the road as necessary.
Unfortunately, we need to keep this section closed over the weekend we’re hopeful of a reopening on Monday morning, but this is subject to the weather. Ultimately we want to ensure the road is safe for motorists.
Drivers using the M54 eastbound over the weekend are being warned to expect delays, and are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys.
The diversion for overnight eastbound closures is via the A41 northbound, the A5 eastbound towards Weston-under-Lizard, and the Stafford Road southbound towards the M54 to rejoin at junction 2.
For the diversion route from junction 3, drivers should follow the solid black square symbol.
Traffic is advised to leave the M54 eastbound at junction 3, taking the A41 northbound to the junction with the A5 near Burlington, then onto the A5 eastbound to the Gailey roundabout, where drivers can then take the A449 southbound to re-join the M54 at junction 2.
Drivers who arrive at the Gailey roundabout (A5/A449) junction, intending to take the M6 northbound, may continue eastbound on the A5 which will take them to the M6 junction 12 near Cannock.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.