A review carried out by Highways England has confirmed that peak time commute delays are being doubled by lane closures on the M5 in north Worcestershire. The review, carried out at the request of West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, shows that journeys through the congested junction have risen from seven to 13 minutes as a result of lane closures at the junction of the M5 and M42. The MP has now written to Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan asking him to lift the lane closures, which are having a direct impact on county commuters. The lane closure was implemented to divert traffic away from the major roadworks at the Oldbury Viaduct in Birmingham but drivers are reporting delays through the M42 junction as well as on north Worcestershire A roads. Harriett commented: “Anyone who travels on the motorway northbound, either to Birmingham or along the M42 to other destinations, knows that this traffic configuration is causing hold ups just to persuade drivers to use an alternative route. “The report confirms the fact showing that Worcestershire commuters are paying the high price for Birmingham’s roadworks and this situation is not acceptable. “I have contacted Highways England to make the point that by creating this artificial pinchpoint, most drivers are now aware of both the Oldbury roadworks and the alternative routes to avoid them. “We’ve spent millions of pounds on a new SMART motorway with improved gantry signs. Now is the time to remove the concrete barriers, use better signage and allow people to choose the right route for themselves.”