CONTROVERSIAL traffic measures which caused misery for thousands of Bromsgrove motorists have finally been removed.

Traffic measures on the M5 between Droitwich and Bromsgrove, part of a £100 million scheme, saw the county's road network grind to a crawl with Bromsgrove residents suffering the most.

The work, by Highways England, began in July last year, and involved concrete repairs and waterproofing work at the Oldbury viaduct.

All traffic was diverted onto the northbound carriageway, with two lanes operating in each direction, along with a 30mph speed limit.

It meant drivers either diverting an extra 20 miles via the M42, or using local routes through north Worcestershire.

The county's police and crime commissioner, John Campion, and the leader of Bromsgrove District Council, councillor Geoff Denaro, previously expressed serious concerns about the level of disruption and the impact it would have on businesses and communities.

At the time cllr Denaro said that delays could also seriously impact the town's financial plans.

Speaking last week the council leader welcomed the removal of the traffic measures.

“These roadworks have been an inconvenience and I am sure our residents, like myself, are delighted they have come to an end.”

Work had only just finished on improvements between junctions 4a (Bromsgrove) and 6 (Worcester) to introduce new technology, reduce congestion and improve journey time for commuters, when the traffic measures were put in place.

Police boss John Campion, added: “These roadworks caused an unjustifiable strain, particularly on Bromsgrove residents who should have been unaffected by the improvements further into Birmingham, and who have already endured lengthy periods of disruption.

"I am pleased that our concerns have now been listened to, and that our communities can finally benefit from the M5 improvements."

Highways England is currently carrying out repair work on the M5 Oldbury viaduct which is due to finish by the spring.

The move to bring the traffic measures to an end came about following discussions between Highways England and local authorities.