Birmingham Airport warns holidaymakers to allow extra travel time to reach check in as M42 is closed in both directions
The M42 near Solihull has been closed in both directions due to 'concerns' for the welfare of a man.
West Midlands Police has closed the M42 in both directions between Junction 4 for Shirley and Junction 5 for Solihull due to an incident at around 6.37am this morning.
The force said that both stretches of the motoway was closed after they attended following 'concerns for a man', with both sides of the motorway expected to stay closed while they 'resolve the situation'.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We remain at the M42 following concerns for the welfare of a man on a bridge.
"The southbound side of the motorway is currently closed between junctions 4 and 5 at Solihull, as we seek to safely resolve the situation."
The closure has led to around three miles of congestion for drivers, with delays of more than three hours with Birmingham Airport warning travellers to allow extra time to reach them.
National Highways West Midlands said on X: "M42 is closed in both directions - between J4 Shirley and J5 Solihull. This is due to a Trafficwmp led incident.
"Delays building, 2.5 miles of congestion both ways - northbound back to M40, southbound back to A45 at Birmingham Airport."
The group later posted that there were delays of at least an hour in both directions of the M42, with the congestion reaching back to the M6.
The group added: "There are delays in excess of 1 hour on the M42 in both directions due to the ongoing WMPolice led incident. The road is closed between J4 Shirley and J5 Solihull Southbound congestion back to the M6. Allow extra time if travelling to Birmingham Airport."
Birmingham Airport have since warned drivers who are travelling to the airport to 'allow additional time' to travel.
Birmingham Airport said on X: "Please be aware and allow additional time for your journey to and from the airport."
Emergency services have been approached for more information.
