M5 chaos LIVE as multi-vehicle crash shuts motorway with two mile tailbacks

Drivers travelling on a major motorway have been issued a traffic warning after a crash has sparked huge delays this morning. Motorists have been warned as the M5 has been shut due to the multi-vehicle collision in Gloucestershire at around 7.30am. National Highways [1] has confirmed that there are severe delays following the crash, with queues tailing back around two miles.

Traffic officers rushed to the scene in response to the incident. Officials said motorists are being held at junction 14 for Thornbury.

10:38Monica Charsley

Motorists face 3 miles of congestion

Motorists have been hit with three miles of congestion with two lanes being re-closed due to the broken down vehicle. Inrix states: Lanes 2 and 3 are CLOSED on the #M5 southbound between J13 #Stroud and J14 #Thornbury due to a broken down lorry.

National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene. There are currently delays of 30 mins and approx.

3 miles of congestion.

09:50Monica Charsley

Lane blocked due to broken down vehicle

Drivers have been issued with another travel warning due to a broken down vehicle. Inrix states: "M5 Southbound lane blocked on slip road from the services, queueing traffic due to broken down vehicle at Michaelwood Services.

Michaelwood Services are located on M5 southbound between J13 and J14."

09:37Monica Charsley

All lanes re-open

Cameras appear to show that all lanes have re-opened. However, traffic continues to mount on the M5 this morning. Inrix said: "Queueing traffic due to earlier accident on M5 Southbound at J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield).

Cameras show all lanes are now open, residual delays remain."

09:19Monica Charsley

Brits warned over 'accident hotspots' on M5

Brits have been warned of several "accident hotspots" on the M5. According to RAC, Junction 13 and 14 has seen multiple accidents in recent years. On its website, the car agency said: "The M5 has unfortunately been the scene of several major accidents in recent years.

So, firstly, if you're planning to drive on the motorway stay vigilant and stay safe. " It continued: "The stretch of motorway between Junction 19 and 20, and Junction 13 and 14, has seen several accidents in recent years. Junction 25 was the scene for one of the worst accidents on a UK motorway in 2011, a multiple collision involving over 50 vehicles and with a number of fatalities."

09:00Monica Charsley

Traffic chaos as two lanes remain closed

Two lanes have been closed in response to the incident as traffic officers remain at the scene.

The crash happened at around 7.30am this morning. Inrix said: "Queueing traffic and two lanes closed due to multi-vehicle accident on M5 Southbound at J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield). Sources confirm that one lane has now reopened, but two lanes remain shut."

08:54Monica Charsley

How long are delays?

Motorists have been told to plan their journeys with extra time due to the crash.

National Highways confirmed drivers are facing delays of up to one hour.

08:45Monica Charsley

National Highways issue statement

National Highways said: "Traffic is currently stopped on the M5 southbound between J14 Thornbury and J15 Almondsbury due to a multi vehicle collision. "National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene. "There is currently approx.

2 miles of congestion on approach."

References

^ National Highways (www.thesun.co.uk)