Next phase of M54 bridge work getting under way

The programme of repairs, set to last 30 to 40 weeks, has caused rush hour delays, with single-lane travel on the motorway, road closures and diversions.

The refurbishment work started in July on the bridges – Ketley East, Ketley West and Dawley Road – on the M54 at junction 6 Ketley Interchange and is expected to last until Spring.

From midnight on Wednesday, Dawley Road will be reopened and Ketley Dingle Interchange bridge at junction six of the M54 will be closed in phases for essential repairs to the bridge decks.

The first phase involves work to the west bridge.

The diversion route will be via junction seven of the M54 and for non-motorway traffic, it will be via Dawley Road.

The east overbridge will also be closed for a short period of time but the date for this closure has yet to be set.

The diversion route will be via junction five of the M54 at Telford town centre and for non-motorway traffic, it will be via Dawley Road.

When work is being undertaken on one overbridge, the other overbridge will remain open and the motorway will also remain open.

Highways Agency officials have pledged that the maintenance work will be carried out as quickly as possible and any delays to motorists will be kept to a minimum.

Single lanes are still running in both directions between junctions five at Telford Town Centre and seven at Wellington.

Average speed cameras are in place to enforce the 50mph temporary speed limit between junctions six at the Ketley Interchange and seven at Wellington.

Highways bosses said the speed cameras are to slow traffic down and keep road workers and motorists safe.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, made up of emergency services, councils and the Highways Agency, today advised all motorists travelling along the M54 to take extra care.

Partnership spokeswoman Anna Higgins said: "We are advising all motorists to exercise caution as they travel through them and comply with the speed limit, which will be clearly marked and enforced by average speed cameras."

More than 6,400 drivers have been caught breaking the 50mph speed limit in place on the M54 in Staffordshire, as work forges ahead to create a new slip road from the carriageway.