Drivers are being warned of travel chaos throughout the UK, with the M5 seeing major delays following a serious accident.
The M5 in Somerset remains closed northbound between J21 near Weston-super-Mare and J20 near Clevedon due to a “police-led incident”.
The southbound carriageway also remains closed between J19 and J21 following the incident at 11.05pm last night.
Avon and Somerset Police are carrying out investigations at the scene and have been supported by the local ambulance service.
National Highways reports that the closures have been in place overnight for investigation, and clear-up work remains ongoing.
It added that the road closures on both directions of the carriageway will be removed before peak times this morning.
Avon and Somerset Police stated: “Emergency services are at the scene of a serious collision on the M5 between junctions 20 (Clevedon) and 21 (Weston-super-Mare).
“The M5 has been closed in both directions and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.”
The M5 remains closed for motorists this morning
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS SOUTH WEST
A diversion route has been introduced by the transport organisation, which will take most motorists towards Bristol and Long Ashton.
It confirmed that the Bristol Clean Air Charge has been suspended for the duration of the closure, removing any fears for motorists.
Rather than following the diversion route on signposts, some cars and lighter vehicles can head southbound to the J19, then head south-east on the A369 to Leigh Woods, then A370 south-west to Long Ashton, then south on the A4174, then south on the A38 to J22.
Long delays remain on the M5 following the incident
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Northbound – Road users are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol:
- Exit the M5 northbound at J21
- Join the A370 north/east towards Bristol
- Travel north on the A370 through Congresbury, West Town and Long Ashton
- In Bristol, at the A370 junction with the A4, join the A4 westbound
- Follow the A4 westbound towards Avonmouth
- At Avonmouth, rejoin the M5 at J18
Southbound – Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol:
- Exit the M5 southbound at J18
- Head south on the A4 to the junction with the A3029
- Then the A3070 south-west to Long Ashton
- Then south on the A4174, and south on the A38
- Re-join the M5 at J22
Drivers are expected to face traffic delays further into the morning
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Elsewhere in the UK, the M48 Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire is closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) as a result of strong winds.
National Highways confirmed that wind speeds would continue to be monitored throughout the day, with traffic being diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
There are further delays on the A13 in Essex between the A1153 (Dagenham) and the A1306 (near Aveley).
Essex Police has requested that the section of the A13 be closed to assist with the ongoing investigation following “a serious collision which occurred off network”.