The M5 was closed by a serious crash, with emergency services and an air ambulance at the scene. The motorway was closed southbound, with traffic held northbound, at Bridgwater in Somerset.
National Highways described the collision as 'serious' and said all emergency services are en-route to the scene, including an air ambulance. Traffic cameras in the area show the motorway completely void of traffic.
Highways said: "Traffic is held on #M5 in both directions between J23 #BridgwaterNorth and J24 #BridgwaterSouth in #Somerset. This is due to a serious collision. All emergency services are on route and National Highways traffic officers are assisting with road closures. More to follow."
They then added: "The #M5 is now closed southbound between J23 #Dunball and J24 #Bridgwater. Avon and Somerset emergency services are on scene. Traffic is still held on the northbound to allow Air Ambulance to land."
At around 12.30pm National Highways said: "The #M5 is now OPEN southbound between J23 #Dunball and J24 #Bridgwater. 1 +outside lane (of 3 ) will remain closed both northbound and southbound to facilitate barrier repairs to central reservation. There are 60 minute residual delays that should improve over time."
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Key Events
Traffic clearing
M5 - SOMERSET - BOTH DIRECTIONS
Traffic easing, emergency barrier repairs earlier on M5 in both directions from J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South).
All lanes are now open following emergency repairs to the barriers as a result of the accident earlier this morning. Residual delays remain.
Drivers stuck in traffic
SomersetLive has been told by one motorist emergency crews are now working on repairing the barrier.
Barrier repair. One lane closed each way.
Barrier repairs
M5 - SOMERSET - BOTH DIRECTIONS
One lane closed and queueing traffic due to emergency barrier repairs on M5 in both directions from J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South).From an earlier accident this morning.
Heavy traffic through Bridgwater
Traffic heavier than normal due to traffic diverting away from the earlier M5 closure on A38 Bristol Road in both directions around The Premier Inn.
Barrier repair
One lane closed and queueing traffic due to emergency barrier repairs on M5 in both directions from J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South).
Traffic on Taunton M5 slip road
Long delays
Long delays and one lane closed due to emergency barrier repairs and earlier accident on M5 in both directions from J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South). Congestion to north coming from J25 (Taunton) and south coming from Sedgemoor Services also routes through Bridgwater are heavily congested as traffic diverted away. Traffic in patches.
Police statement after crash
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said:
"We were called at around 10am today (Tuesday 30 July) to a single-vehicle collision on the M5 between junction 23 (Bridgwater) and junction 24 (Taunton).
"The carriageway is closed in both directions while emergency services are at the scene.
"If anyone was in the area and witnessed the collision, or have dashcam footage, please call 101 and quote reference 5224198427."
M5 diversion routes
Drivers are being diverted around a serious crash on the M5 in Somerset. The motorway has been closed in both directions after a collision which has reportedly involved a van between junctions 23 and 24.
The collision, which National Highways described as 'serious', was first reported at around 10.30am today. Drivers already face delays of around 45 minutes in the area and traffic remains trapped within the road closure.
Van involved in crash
M5 in both directions blocked, queueing traffic due to serious accident, a van involved from J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South). Both sides of the road have been blocked since around 10:30am.
Traffic camera images
Diversion route
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.
Traffic held since 10.30am
All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M5 in both directions from J23 A39 (Bridgwater North) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South). Traffic has been held since around 10:30am.
