Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
About the works
M5 Junctions 4a to 8 between M42 and M50
Installation of new variable message signs and motorway signals type 3 (MS3), Motorway Incident Detection Automatic Signalling (MIDAS) and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Upgrade.
Location
M5 Junctions 4a-8 between M42 and M50.
When
Work started in June 2004 and is due to be completed in December 2006.
Background
We are committed to making better use of existing motorways and trunkroads and we have undertaken to provide better information to drivers and to co-ordinate trafficflows across the network. The installation of MS3, MIDAS and CCTV will:
- Warn the drivers of queues and accidents ahead and help the police manage traffic accidents.
- Smooth flows to minimise stop – start conditions.
- Advise drivers about congestion and indicate suitable alternate routes, so helping to balance traffic across the network.
- Provide better information and safer roads
What are we doing
We are installing 50 MS3s, 150 traffic detection loops in the road surface and 20 additional CCTV Cameras.
The benefits
This project will enhance safety to the road user by giving them up-to-date informationsuch as ‘Accident’, ‘Delays on M5’ or ‘Queues ahead’ and warn the road user of any diversionroutes that have been put in place such as ‘For M6 use M42’ together, with any speed restrictions limit.
The MIDAS system, for which vehicle detection loops are required, will be installed in the road surface to detect slow moving or stationary traffic on the motorway and set message signs andsignals to warn traffic that are approaching the hazard.
The new CCTV cameras will allow the system operators to view the motorway and allows themto monitor the traffic especially when incidents have occurred. They will then be able to takethe appropriate action in terms of diversions and inform the motorist of delays using the signalling system.
The traffic on the M5 will remain largely unaffected. Most of the works will be carried outduring the day with the hard shoulder closed at the works locations.
The work
We started work in June 2004 and the variable mesage signs were switched on in August 2006. We are currently installing CCTV and this is due to be completed by December 2006.
Road safety
- As the safety of our workforce and the road users is paramount it may be necessary to close one lane of these slip roads at off-peak times during the day.
- We will advise road users of the slip road closures by signs at the roadside and through the local media.
- When a slip road is closed diversions will be signed.
- The working hours will be 07:00 to 17:00 (day time) and 20:00 to 06:00 (night time).
- There will be a 50mph speed restriction in place, where the works are taking place.
