DRIVERS are being warned that the northbound carriageway between Droitwich and Bromsgrove is closed because of an HGV tanker fire.
Traffic was also being held on the southbound carriageway between Junction 4A (for the M42) and Junction 5 but two lanes of the southbound carriageway have since opened.
Four Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews – two from Droitwich and one each from Bromsgrove and Redditch – were called at 2.54pm.
They used air foam and water jets to battle the blaze.
Those crews were later joined by another one from Evesham and the Environmental Protection Unit, based in Tenbury Wells.
Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected.
Motorists planning to use the route should allow extra time for their journey.
National Highways officers are also in attendance and a diversion is in place.
Diversions
Those wanting to use the M42 should follow the solid square diversion symbols on road signs –
The diversion takes drivers from the M5 at Junction 5 onto the nothbound A38, rejoining the M42 at Junction 1.
Those wanting to continue on the M5 should also leave at Junction 5 onto the northbound A38, continue on that road past the M42 and rejoin the M5 at Junction 4.
