M5 opens again after motorcyclist hits central barrier
A motorcyclist has hit the central reservation of the M5, forcing it to close causing long tailbacks.
The motorway was closed in both directions between junction two for Oldbury and three for Halesowen this afternoon.
Police said the northbound section of the M5 at junction three was reopening from 7.10pm. But delays were expected long into the evening.
Motorists around junction three northbound were led from the motorway by police.
Officers were called to the M5 at around 3.40pm following reports a motorcyclist had hit the central reservation.
The motorway was closed to allow the air ambulance to land.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "It is believed the cyclist has serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening."
Severe delays were reported around West Bromwich, Smethwick, Halesowen, Oldbury and Quinton due to the closure.
Police also warned drivers against driving the wrong way down the entry slip round at junction four for north Bromsgrove at Lydiate Ash to escape queues.
Highways England issued advice for motorists in a bid to avoid the traffic chaos.
"Take the first exit to rejoin the M2 at J2.
"Traffic travelling to the north west approaching from the south west and east on the M5 northbound or M40 northbound is advised to join the M42 northbound and the M6 northbound."
Meanwhile motorists faced delays of up to an hour around Stafford following an earlier accident.
M6 northbound has lanes blocked at J13 for Stafford with delays from J11a.
