A significant motorway faced complete closure in both directions after a serious collision occurred in the early morning hours. The M5 was blocked from 2 am stretching from Junction 20 in Clevedon to Junction 21 in Weston-super-Mare, prompting authorities to advise drivers to steer clear of the affected area.
Emergency responders and National Highway traffic personnel were on the scene, as reported by SomersetLive. Firefighters were observed extinguishing flames at the crash site. Subsequently, National Highways announced the reopening of the motorway in both directions later in the morning, with traffic flow returning to normal by midday.
Traffic conditions have normalized, as indicated by monitoring platform Inrix. National Highways officially confirmed the reopening of the M5 in both directions between Junctions 21 and 20 post the accident.
According to Inrix, there are extended delays and two lanes are shut down due to a police incident on the M5 Northbound from Junction 21 A370 in Weston-super-mare to Junction 20 B3133 Ettlingen Way in Clevedon. Congestion has been reported on the diversion route, affecting traffic between Weston and Backwell at Junction 21. Likewise, the southbound lanes from Junction 19-21 are also closed.
National Highways relayed that the situation is anticipated to clear by 11:15 to 11:30 am on December 1, 2025. Motorists are advised to avoid the M5 near Somerset due to a police-led incident, resulting in closures in both directions between Junction 20 in Clevedon and Junction 21 in Weston-super-Mare.
Following a crash near Weston-super-Mare around 11:05 pm, Avon and Somerset Police disclosed. Northbound drivers are instructed to exit at Junction 21 and utilize the A370 and A4 to rejoin the M5 at Junction 18. Southbound travelers are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol, exiting at Junction 18 and proceeding via the A4 and A38 before re-entering the M5 at Junction 22.
National Highways have updated directives for southbound motorists, suggesting they follow the diversion symbol on road signs. They can head southbound to Junction 19, then southeast on the A369 to Leigh Woods, then southwest on the A370 to Long Ashton, followed by south on the A4174 and finally south on the A38 to Junction 22.
A representative from National Highways has recommended northbound drivers follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol detailed on road signs during the morning closures of the M5. They emphasized awareness of closures while driving on Sunday morning.
National Highways also announced the suspension of the Bristol Clean Air Charge during the closure period. The closure of the M5 in Somerset is ongoing, impacting northbound travel between Junction 21 near Weston-super-Mare and Junction 20 near Clevedon due to a police-led incident, with southbound lanes closed from Junction 19 to 21 as investigations continue.
Restoration timelines provided by National Highways are currently estimated around 10 am. Travelers to and from Bristol Airport are cautioned about potential disruptions caused by the closure. National Highways reiterated that the M5 closure in Somerset would persist, with expected restoration by approximately 8:30 am.
Motorists should anticipate continued delays into Sunday morning, with National Highways projecting traffic officers to complete restoration by around 7:30 am. Traffic officers are aiding police during the ongoing incident at the M5 in Somerset, leading to the closure of all lanes in both northbound and southbound directions. The incident took place at approximately 11:05 pm on Sunday, November 30.
National Highways urged motorists to avoid the affected area, directing them to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol displayed on road signs. The closure has been extended to include additional sections of the M5, with southbound access now blocked from Junction 19.
The closure and diversion, including recent modifications, are anticipated to persist for several more hours, with regular traffic flow expected to resume by 5:30 am. National Highways has implemented diversion procedures due to the full closure of the M5 in Somerset, with emergency personnel present between Junction 21 near Weston-super-Mare and Junction 20 near Clevedon.
Drivers traveling north are advised to adhere to the Solid Triangle diversion symbol visible on road signs. For southbound travelers, the Hollow Circle diversion symbol should be followed. Exit routes and re-entry points are detailed for each direction to minimize disruption.
The closure is due to a police-led incident, prompting National Highways to initiate diversion plans for both northbound and southbound traffic. Authorities are actively managing the situation at the scene, emphasizing the importance of following diversion protocols for a safe and efficient journey.
National Highways have confirmed that diversions are in place, with traffic officers assisting affected drivers. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly, allowing extra time and considering