Nine months of M50 flooding works set to start with overnight closures and drivers warned of delays

M50 drivers have been warned of disruption as work gets underway to tackle flooding issues along the motorway. National Highways says the major maintenance scheme will see cleaning, repairs and vegetation removed from the drainage system on both sides of the carriageway between junction 4 of the M50 and junction 8 of the M5. The work will take place overnight but there will be lane closures and some full closures needed.

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."

The work, which begins on Monday, July 28 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. 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.

Diversion routes will be in place and drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys during the closures.

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