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Unexploded WWII bomb causes travel mayhem in Birmingham

Xinhua, May 15, 2017 Adjust font size:

An unexploded WWII bomb is causing travel chaos in Birmingham, with some major road and rail links shut down at the urging of bomb disposal experts, the Sky News reported Monday.

The Aston Expressway is expected to be closed until Tuesday morning as the German shell, which weighs up to 250kg, is removed from a nearby construction site.

Hundreds of homes and businesses within a 500-meter area have also been evacuated, and West Midlands Police say the cordon may have to be widened.

Birmingham Police Commander Chris Johnson said: "There have been some difficulties in accessing the device given the terrain and its position within a construction site."

"All agencies involved are working as quickly as possible to bring the situation to a safe conclusion, with brave military staff risking their safety to ensure that of the public."

Highways England says all entry and exit slip roads at Junction 6 of the M6, which connect the motorway to Birmingham city center, have been closed.

The agency has "strongly urged" road users to consider alternative routes, and to allow additional time for their journeys.

London Midland says all rail services between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield, Staffordshire, have also been cancelled. Endit