M5 diversion routes after crash shuts motorway
Drivers are being rerouted following a serious crash on the M5 in Somerset, which has led to the closure of both carriageways. The incident, reportedly involving a van between junctions 23 and 24, occurred earlier today and has caused significant traffic disruption.
National Highways has confirmed the crash as 'serious', with initial reports coming in at about 10.30am. Delays of approximately 45 minutes are currently affecting drivers, and those caught within the closure are being assisted by police and traffic officers.
In an update, National Highways stated: "The #M5 is now closed both directions between J23 #Dunball and J24 #Bridgwater. Traffic caught within the closures will be dealt with as soon as possible by Police and National Highways traffic officers. There are 45 minute delays northbound."
To circumvent the closure, traffic is being directed off at J23 using the solid square and solid triangle symbols. Motorists should then take the A39, proceed to the A38[1] Bristol Road via the Dunball roundabout, and re-enter the M5 at J24.
Further delays are anticipated throughout the day, and Highways England advises drivers to consider delaying their travel plans until the situation is resolved. Traffic monitoring service Inrix has reported: "M5 Southbound closed, queueing traffic due to serious accident, a van involved from J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South)."
"Camera shows southbound has been closed with traffic coming off the exit slip, Northbound remains held, since around 10:30am."
Diversion Route
Road users are advised to follow the Solid Square diversion symbols on road signs
- Exit the M5 at J23.
- At the roundabout take the third exit onto the A39.
- At the Dunball roundabout, take the first exit onto the A38 (Bristol Road) southbound.
- Continue along the A38 and at the junction with Taunton Road, the A38 turns left. Take the left onto Taunton Road to continue on the A38.
- At the roundabout with Huntworth Lane, take the first exit onto Huntworth Lane.
- Re-join the M5 at J24.
Road users are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Leave the M5 northbound at J24 and take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto the A38.
- Follow the A38 through Bridgewater to the roundabout with the A39 and take the 3rd exit onto the A39.
- Continue on the A39 to the M5 J23 roundabout and take the 1st exit to rejoin the M5 northbound.