Significant travel disruptions are impacting drivers this morning due to a serious accident involving two vehicles on the M40 motorway in Warwickshire.
The motorway is currently closed northbound between Junction 13 (Barford) and Junction 14 (Bishop’s Tachbrook). Emergency responders, including Warwickshire Police and National Highways Traffic Officers, are working at the scene to manage the situation.
As a result of the closure, motorists face delays exceeding 90 minutes compared to typical travel times. National Highways is implementing diversions using local roads; however, drivers are strongly advised to factor in substantial extra time or consider alternative routes – or even postponing their journey altogether.
According to a spokesperson for West Midlands Police, “We’re currently at the scene of a two-vehicle collision on the northbound stretch of the M40 between junction 13 (Bishops Tachbrook) and junction 14 (Leamington). The road is expected to be closed for at least the next few hours so please avoid the area and follow diversions where possible.”
Traffic flow is anticipated to return to normal between 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm.
National Highways confirmed on X, “Delays on approach to the M40 northbound closure between J13 (Bishops Tachbrook) and J14 (Barford) are now 90 minutes above usual journey times. Emergency Services remain in attendance. Plan ahead if travelling in the area, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
One driver caught in the resulting traffic shared their workaround:
- “I exited at J11 Banbury and took the A423 Southam Road.
- It was a pretty clear run to Princethorpe, where there’s some roadworks.
- This then takes me to Coventry, where I picked up the M6 at J2 for deliveries into Birmingham.”
The driver continued: “This route keeps you east of the M40 and away from all the congestion in the towns where everyone is trying to get off at 12, 13 or 14!! Just my advice if you’re picking this up south of Banbury and heading north.”
Further updates will follow.