Key Highlights
- The M5 motorway in Somerset is fully closed due to a ‘police-led incident’ between junctions 20 and 21.
- Emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police, National Highway traffic officers, are on scene.
- Diversion routes have been set up for both northbound and southbound traffic to avoid the closure area.
- The M5 is expected to remain closed into the morning with an estimated restoration time of around 7:30 AM.
M5 Closure Due to Police Incident in Somerset
The M5 motorway, a crucial artery linking Bristol and Bath to the west of England, is currently fully closed due to a ‘police-led incident’ between junctions 20 (Clevedon) and 21 (Weston-super-Mare). The closure has impacted traffic in both directions, causing significant disruption for motorists.
“Emergency services are at the scene of a serious collision on the M5 between junctions 20 (Clevedon) and 21 (Weston-super-Mare),” stated Avon and Somerset Police.
Current Situation and Diversion Routes
As of now, the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours. Emergency services are actively managing the situation with National Highway traffic officers providing support on-site. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use the diversion routes provided.
For southbound travelers:
– Exit the M5 at junction 18.
– Follow signs leading you towards Bristol via the A4, then the A38, before rejoining the M5 at junction 22 (Burnham-on-Sea). For northbound travelers:
– Use the solid triangle diversion symbols to travel through Congresbury, West Town, and Long Ashton before joining the A4 westbound towards Avonmouth.
– At Avonmouth, rejoin the M5 at junction 18.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey,” advised National Highways.
Impact on Bristol Airport Travelers
Travelers heading to and from Bristol Airport will likely experience delays due to the M5 closure. National Highways has warned that motorists should plan accordingly, as the road remains closed until further notice.
Additional Closures and Future Outlook
The latest updates indicate that southbound access is now also blocked from junction 19 onwards, making it impossible for travelers to reach the M5 past Gordano Services. This extension of closures has prompted National Highways to issue a revised diversion protocol. National Highways spokespersons emphasized the need for motorists to remain vigilant and follow signposting carefully. They stated that traffic conditions are expected to return to normal by approximately 5:30 AM, although this is subject to change based on ongoing developments at the scene.
“Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol on road signs,” National Highways said in a statement seen by the Daily Mirror.
This closure presents significant challenges for regional transportation, impacting not only local traffic but also businesses and daily commuters. As the situation continues to evolve, authorities urge drivers to stay informed through official updates and adjust their travel plans accordingly. For real-time information and additional assistance, motorists are encouraged to bookmark relevant websites or follow social media channels dedicated to providing up-to-date news on road closures in the region.
