Fuel Bikes Zoom In to Beat Breakdown Chaos on M5 Oldbury Roadworks
Emergency fuel delivery motorcycles are now racing across the M5 Oldbury stretch to tackle breakdowns and ease traffic snarls. It’s the first time Highways England has deployed fuel bikes during a major English road repair.
Fuel Fiascos Prompt Rapid Response
Since 1 August, 17 fuel-related breakdowns have hit the roadworks zone. Highways England teamed up with recovery pros Egertons Recovery to launch the speedy fuel bike service. Project manager Alastair Warnes revealed, “On day one of the contraflow, the first breakdown was someone running out of fuel.”
“Safety is our top priority. We urge drivers to check their fuel before setting off. Our fuel bikes help get stranded drivers up and running fast, cutting delays for others.”
Massive £100 Million Revamp Rolls On
The £100 million-plus project involves fixing concrete and waterproofing the aging Oldbury Viaduct in the West Midlands. To keep traffic moving, a contraflow runs on the northbound carriageway with two lanes each way, plus a 30mph limit. This allows motorcycles to weave through faster and deliver fuel swiftly, reducing jams.
Tips to Dodge Delays
- Use alternative routes where possible. From the M6 onto M5 southbound, one lane leads onto the M5; three lanes continue on the M6 to steer traffic around Birmingham.
- At M5 northbound Junction 4a, one lane stays on M5, two lanes head to the M42.
- Dynamic hard shoulders on the M42 and M6 open earlier and close later to ease congestion.
- Slip roads at Junctions 1 and 2 remain open but expect delays.
The work is expected to keep grinding on until autumn 2018, with minor jobs stretching into spring 2019.
Stay fuel-savvy and plan your journey to beat the roadworks hassle!
