Major stretch of M54 reopens after lorry transporter hits central reservation barrier and sheds load

A vehicle transporter carrying a lorry on the eastbound carriageway early this morning (Thursday, July 17) hit the central reservation barrier near Junction 2 and shed the HGV, which came to rest on its side.

Emergency services received reports at about 7.39am that two lorries had been involved in the crash.

A spokesperson for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called to reports of an RTC involving two lorries on the M54 eastbound between Junction 2 and 3 in Brewood at 7.39am and sent an ambulance to the scene.

"On arrival crews found the driver of one lorry who did not wish to be assessed. There were no other patients.”

Traffic was initally able to pass the scene of the crash on the hard shoulder before the eastbound carriageway was closed altogether at about 8.45am.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M54 in Staffordshire is closed eastbound between Junction 3 (Cosford) and Junction 2 (Wolverhampton) due to a collision involving an overturned lorry which has struck the central reservation.

"As a result of this incident, lane 2 (of 2) is also closed on the westbound carriageway due to significant damage sustained to the central reservation barrier.

"A lengthy recovery, infrastructure repair and clear-up operation will be ongoing throughout the morning."

A further update at about 3pm said the westbound carriageway had been reopened completely but the eastbound route remained shut.

Then a National Highways spokesperson said at about 3.40pm: "The westbound lane 2 closure was lifted just before 3pm, following repair works to the central reservation barrier.

"The overturned lorry has also been recovered, work is ongoing to clear a significant diesel spillage on the eastbound carriageway and we are anticipating reopening the eastbound section within the next hour."

National Highways had earlier warned of two-hour delays to traffic and urged motorists to find alternative routes.

Diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid black square diversion symbol:

• Exit the M54 eastbound at J3 (Cosford) and join the A41 northbound

• Continue on the A41 until the A5 roundabout and then take the 3rd exit onto the A5 eastbound

• Continue on the A5 eastbound until the Gailey Roundabout with the A449

• Take the third exit onto the A449 southbound

• Continue onward on the A449 southbound to then re-join the M54 eastbound at J2 near Wolverhampton

National Highways said: "If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We received a call around 7.40am this morning with a report of a lorry jack-knifed on the M54 near to Junction 2. The lorry has caused damage to the central barrier."

The M54 has since reopened following the incident.