Drivers have been warned to expect delays this morning after a serious HGV fire caused a major motorway to shut near a UK airport.

The M6 in Warwickshire has been closed southbound between J4 (Birmingham Airport) and J3 (Bedworth) due to the fire, which has now been extinguished.

Fire and Rescue are currently in attendance, managing the residual smoke while National Highways are working to clear traffic build-up in the area.

Now the agency has put a diversion route in place, with drivers urged to follow the Hollow Squared diversion symbol on road signs.

Drivers have been urged to follow the diversion in place

The diversion advises drivers to exit the M6 at J4 to the A446 south and continue along A446/A452 southbound to the junction with the A45, Stonebridge.

From here, drivers should take the exit to the A45 eastbound and continue to its junction with the A46, Tollbar End.

Drivers then need to take the exit to the A46 northbound and continue to the M6 and re-join at J2.

Updating drivers, National Highways shared: “The M6 in Warwickshire remains closed southbound between J4 and J3 in Bedworth due to a HGV fire.

“Fire is out, and we are hoping to release traffic within the closure past the scene shortly. Thanks for your patience.”

The fire has caused the southbound roads to close

Normal traffic conditions are expected to return between 12:45 and 1pm later today, with drivers told to follow the latest traffic advice and updates.

The agency explained that traffic is being released past the scene in lane four, and once clear, the closure will remain in place for clear-up and inspection to establish if any repairs to the surface are required.

Drivers needing to access the route have been encouraged to use the M6 toll as an alternative to avoid being stuck in traffic.

Emergency services have managed to extinguish the fire

National Highways shared: "UPDATE - We've opened an extra lane to release Traffic on M6 Warwickshire southbound between J4 and J3 Bedworth. Once clear, the closure will remain in place for clear up and inspection to establish if any repairs to the surface are required."

The fire has caused serious delays near Birmingham Airport