National Highways scheme to tackle flooding on M50
National Highways is tackling flooding issues along the M50 with a major maintenance scheme that will run the length of the motorway.
The drainage system on both sides of the carriageway between M50 junction 4 and M5 junction 8 will be targeted in the scheme. The work will include cleaning, repairs and removing vegetation from the drainage system.
National Highways Project Manager Dan Bothwick said:
“We know there have been issues with flooding in some areas along this route and so are taking action to repair and improve drainage along the length of the motorway.
“There is a lot of ground to cover and we appreciate this will cause some disruption for road users and communities but we will do the work at night when we know traffic numbers are lower.
“Once completed, drainage will be improved and we will provide a safer carriageway for road users.”
Work, which begins on Monday 28 July, will be carried out in phases to reduce the impact on traffic and is expected to continue until next April. It will take place overnight, between 8pm and 6am.
To ensure the safety of the workforce and road users, lane closures and some full carriageway closures will be required.
Dan added:
“When it is essential that we close the road, we will also take the opportunity to carry out such important works as grass cutting, repairing barriers, cleaning signage and other tasks that would otherwise involve a further closure.
“We will consider whether any resurfacing work can be carried out and also carry out repairs to damaged safety netting between junctions 4 and 3. We want to utilise the closures as much as possible to avoid further disruption for drivers.”
The full closures will be as follows:
- Thursday 14 August to Tuesday 19 August – full closure westbound from M5 junction 8 to M50 junction 2.
- Wednesday 20 August to Wednesday 27 August – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 2 and M5 junction 8 (excluding bank holiday on Monday 25 August)
- Thursday 28 August to Tuesday 2 September – full closure westbound between M50 junction 2 and M50 junction 4.
- Friday 3 September to Monday 8 September – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 4 and M50 junction 2.
- Monday 20 October to Friday 14 November – full closure westbound between M50 junction 2 and M50 junction 4.
- Monday 17 November to Wednesday 11 December – full closure Eastbound between M50 junction 4 and M50 junction 2.
- Wednesday 11 December to Thursday 22 January 2026 – full closure westbound between M50 junction 1 and M50 junction 2.
- Thursday 22 January to Thursday 19 February 2026 – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 2 and M50 junction 1.
- Thursday 19 February to Thursday 26 February 2026 – full closure westbound between M5 junction 8 and M50 junction 1.
- Thursday 26 February to Thursday 5 March 2026 – full closure eastbound between M50 junction 1 to M5 junction 8.
Clearly signed diversion routes, agreed with local authorities, will be in place.
Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys during the closures.
For more information about the scheme and any updates visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/.
To find out about work along the M50 subscribe to the National Highways mailing list by emailing noreplyM50WMids@nationalhighways.co.uk.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiriesOption 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
