Misery on Midlands motorways as work over-runs
Drivers faced delays today when heavy rain meant overnight roadworks on the M6 overran, causing tailbacks.
The southbound carriageway from Junction 11 for Cannock and Junction 10 for Walsall has been shut every night between 10pm and 6am in recent weeks - but today it did not re-open until 6.30am.
Queues stretched back to junction 13 for Stafford South, and the link with the M54 was also blocked off, causing congestion on the A460 in Cannock and towards Junction 2 for the A449.
There was also gridlock along the Black Country Route in Walsall until the motorway was opened. The works are expected to be completed on March 12.
The Highways Agency said asphalt that had been laid took longer than expected to set due to heavy downpours.
Spokesman Neil Sterio said: "Obviously the aim is to avoid the works overrunning but the surface was not curing due to the bad weather."
A crash between two cars and a lorry also caused 90-minute delays on the M6 southbound carriageway between junction six at Birmingham and seven at Great Barr at about 4pm yesterday (Wed).
It resulted in three-mile tailbacks after the lorry sprung a diesel leak. At one stage just one of the four lanes was open.
