M5 closed in both directions after serious collision with drivers stuck in huge delays
DRIVERS face delays in both directions on a major motorway after a serious collision.
The M5 in Somerset is experiencing a carriageway closure due to the ongoing incident as CCTV footage shows traffic piling up.
Avon and Somerset Police are leading the response with the road between J24 and J25 expected to be closed until further notice.
The closure currently impacts those between Bridgwater and Taunton.
Local media has suggested disruption was first reported around 3pm this afternoon.
The AA has revealed a lorry was involved in a "serious crash" with the updated map suggesting gridlocked traffic as far back as Huntworth.
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Camera footage shows how the northbound lanes closed around 15:25.
National Highways have advised those heading for the affected route to plan ahead and follow diversion signs.
Southbound traffic should use the solid diamond diversion symbol to reach their intended destination.
This should take motorists along the following:
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- At J24 Huntworth Interchange exit the M5 taking the 3rd exit onto Huntworth Lane/A38.
- At the next immediate roundabout take the 1st exit onto Taunton Road/A38.
- Continue southbound on the A38 toward Taunton.
- At the A358/A38 interchange, turn left onto the A358 heading towards the M5.
- At M5 J25 Blackbrook Roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the M5 southbound.
Northbound traffic should take the route advised via solid circle diversion symbols, visible on local road signs.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J24 (Bridgwater) and J25 (Taunton) due to a serious collision.
"Avon and Somerset Police are currently leading the response to an ongoing incident which has caused the road to be closed until further notice.
"National Highways have resources in attendance assisting with traffic management."
They also indicated that the scene is not expected to be clear until 5pm.
The social media account for the government agency also posted an update: "Hello, traffic caught within the southbound closure is being released via rearward relief.
"Plans are being made to re-open the northbound carriageway shortly. Thank you for your patience."
Meanwhile a local traffic alert company posted on social media that there are "major delays already".
Travel Somerset added: "The local network is expected to get very busy due to the knock-on effect. Please plan ahead."
Inrix posted: "M5 in both directions closed, queuing traffic due to serious accident, a lorry involved from J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater south) to J25 A358 (Taunton).
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"Camera shows northbound has now closed around 15:25 and southbound closed around 15:15, trapped traffic remains held southbound within the closure."
It follows a closure between junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare and junction 20 for Clevedon following an unrelated crash earlier today.
What's the advised diversion?
FOLLOWING the serious collision on the M5 in Somerset both carriageway directions have been closed.
Those stuck in southbound traffic should follow the route marked by the solid diamond diversion symbol:
- At J24 Huntworth Interchange exit the M5 taking the 3rd exit onto Huntworth Lane/A38.
- At the next immediate roundabout take the 1st exit onto Taunton Road/A38.
- Continue southbound on the A38 toward Taunton.
- At the A358/A38 interchange, turn left onto the A358 heading towards the M5.
- At M5 J25 Blackbrook Roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the M5 southbound.
Northbound traffic has been advised to follow the above route in reverse which will be marked by the solid circle diversion symbol.
Motorists have been advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes.
