M5 traffic: Huge crash sparks MILES of delays on major motorway

The M5 is at a standstill after a lorry smashed into the central barrier leaving drivers stranded for hours. Traffic was stopped in both directions after the smash caused "significant damage," National Highways confirmed. The crash happened between Juncion 28 and 29 at around midday.

The lorry hit the barrier before crossing into the opposing lane. The heavy goods vehicle has since been recovered. Reports from the scene suggest traffic is around five miles long.

Drivers are being warned to expect delays of up to 60 minutes going north and 30 minutes southbound. An update from National Highways said: "Lane 3 is closed in both directions on the M5 between J29 (Exeter) & J28 (Tiverton Dulford) due to a collision involving a lorry which has struck the central reservation. "There are long delays on approach to the lane closure in both directions. "Delays in excess of 60 minutes northbound and 30 minutes southbound (above usual journey times).

"A lorry has crossed over resulting in significant damage. Traffic Officers & emergency services on scene. Delays in excess of 30 minutes in both directions, approx.

5.5 miles of congestion."

19:26Charlie Jones

Road closures to remain overnight

The latest update from National Highways reads: "The lane 3 closure, both ways on the M5 between J29 near Exeter Airport and J28 Cullompton will remain in place overnight for emergency central reservation barrier repairs. "Approx.

3 miles of congestion southbound only. "We'll let you know when works are complete."

18:44Charlie Jones

Delays of 30 minutes in both directions

According to the latest update from Highways England, lane 3 remains closed in both directions on the M5.

Delays in excess of 30 minutes in both directions, approx.

5.5 miles of congestion.

18:14Charlie Jones

Crash comes as thousands hit the roads for summer holidays

The crash comes as thousands are expected to take to the roads during the summer holidays. Traffic across Exeter has been affected with tailbacks, with drivers also being warned of long delays and high volumes of traffic at Sandygate roundabout.

17:46Charlie Jones

Police on the scene

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed they are in attendance. A spokesperson for the force said: "We are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision involving a heavy goods vehicle on the M5 near Cullompton.

"It was reported that the lorry was in collision with the central reservation between junctions 29 and 28 at around 12.20pm today, Friday 1 August. "There are no reports of any injuries at this time."

17:14KEY EVENT

What we know so far

A crash on the M5 has brought traffic to a standstill. The collision, which involved a lorry hitting the central barrier before going into opposing traffic, happened between Junction 25 and 28 and 29.

Thankfully, no one has been reported badly injured.

Queues are up to five miles long and delays are around an hour.