Major motorway closed after massive lorry fire as drivers face long delays on M54

Drivers are being warned of a huge lorry fire that has resulted in long delays in the West Midlands following a huge lorry fire yesterday evening.

The M54 in Staffordshire/Shropshire is closed westbound between J3 (Albrighton) and J4 (Telford) due to a fire involving a heavy goods vehicle.

Traffic officers closed the carriageway shortly after 7pm yesterday evening (August 11) as a result of the lorry fire.

The lorry was transporting hay when it caught fire, which could have potentially exacerbated the blaze.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service was in attendance on the carriageway, with six "appliances" in attendance.

The lorry was believed to be transporting around 70 tonnes of hay, with four hose reel jets and one main jet being used to extinguish the blaze.

Fire crews from Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury, Telford, and Wellington attended, with operations and safety officers taking part.

A thermal imaging camera was also deployed to help the fire service, police and the highways agency to safely manage the situation.

National Highways traffic officers also assisted with the management of the congestion on the M54.

It added: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

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Posting on social media, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service stated: "The public are advised to stay away from the area and use an alternative route where possible.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding while emergency services work to resolve the incident."

National Highways has installed a diversion route for motorists to follow if they are impacted by the motorway closure.

Traffic is being diverted via the Solid Circle diversion symbol on road signs:

• Exit the M54 westbound at J3 and take the third exit onto the A41 northbound
• Continue on the A41 northbound until the junction with the A5 Pickmere Roundabout
• Turn left onto the A5 westbound (Watling Street) and continue on the A5 until the A4640 Limekiln Bank Roundabout
• Turn left at the roundabout and join the A4640 Castle Farm Way southbound
• Continue onward until the M54 J4 Castle Farm Roundabout, then re-join the M54 westbound by taking the 4th exit