M5 crash congestion drivers getting out of cars in nine miles of jams

Long delays continue on major roads around Exeter

1. Drivers have been seen getting out of their vehicles as motorists face nine miles of congestion following a multi-vehicle crash on the M5 near Exeter this morning (Thursday, April 23). The incident happened between junction 31 (the A30 for Okehampton[1]) and junction 30 (for Exeter[2] Services) on the northbound carriageway.
2. National Highways said that there was a serious crash involving two cars and a motorbike. Devon and Cornwall Police[3] said the motorcyclist has been injured. Police, ambulance, the fire service and National Highways Traffic Officers are at the scene.
3. There are nine miles of congestion on and around the M5, with motorists facing heavy delays and lengthy queues stretching back onto the A38[4].

   Motorists on the A30 and A380 have also faced severe delays throughout the morning since the crash was reported at around 8.15am. Delays have lasted as long as 90 minutes.

4. Drivers were seen getting out of vehicles near the Wobbly Wheel junction as the A38 merges with the M5. One driver said that a car had broken down and that a lorry driver got out to help push.

   He added: "Been sitting in this for over half an hour now. It's essentially a standstill, vehicles crawl forward a few yards every five minutes or so."

5. An official diversion route is now in place for traffic. National Highways said: "Traffic from the A38 bound for the M5 northbound should join the A30[5] westbound.

   Exit at the next junction (Alphington Interchange) and circulate the roundabout to join the A30 eastbound. Keep left to merge on to the M5 northbound."

6. National Highways described "substantial congestion" as motorists were stuck along one of the four major routes. The agency added: "This incident is causing substantial congestion on the A38 eastbound and A30 eastbound approaching the M5.

   Road users should expect to be significantly delayed if heading on these roads.

   Local roads are also substantially congested due to this incident."

7. The M5 remains closed[6] in the northbound direction within the junction 31 interchange as delays are expected to continue.

   Three lanes, out of four, are closed between junction 31 and junction 30.

READ OUR LIVE BLOG: M5 and A38 queues after crash near major junction - live updates[7]

References

1. ^ Okehampton (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)
3. ^ Devon and Cornwall Police (www.devonlive.com)
4. ^ A38 (www.devonlive.com)
5. ^ A30 (www.devonlive.com)
6. ^ closed (www.devonlive.com)
7. ^ M5 and A38 queues after crash near major junction - live updates (www.devonlive.com)