10-mile queue on M5 near Taunton as crash closure lifts
Traffic is still tailing back for 10 miles on the M5 in Somerset after a crash involving a lorry and pedestrian this afternoon (Sunday, October 22). National Highways confirmed just after 2.30pm that the motorway had reopened in both directions around Taunton[1]. However, it advised: “Please allow extra time for your journey as delays of 60 mins northbound and 80 mins southbound.” Traffic sensors show that as of 2.45pm, northbound motorists were queuing all the way from Wellington up to Junction 25.
On the southbound side there were also queues of about 10 miles, back past Bridgwater[2]. The collision happened just after midday, according to Avon and Somerset Police. Sign up to our new M5 Whatsapp community[4] in the South West, to get breaking M5 news sent straight to your phone
Traffic on the M5 near Taunton this afternoon following the collision (Image: Google Maps)
A spokesperson for the force said earlier this afternoon[5] : “The M5 [was] closed at junction 25 (Taunton) following a collision involving a pedestrian and a lorry that happened at about noon today.
An air ambulance has landed at the scene to take the injured pedestrian to hospital.
“We’d advise motorists consider an alternative route while emergency services respond to this incident.” Traffic was initially at a complete standstill, with other motorists outside of the roadblock diverted off at the exit and entry slips.
References
- ^ Taunton (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Bridgwater (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Live updates on M5 crash as lanes reopen (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ M5 Whatsapp community (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ earlier this afternoon (www.somersetlive.co.uk)