A major motorway has been blocked off by police – with the carriageway now sealed off in both directions to motorists.
Motorists and the general public are advised to avoid the M5 near Somerset, with the closure now in place between J20 Clevedon and J21 Weston-super-Mare.
Avon and Somerset Police are leading the incident. Emergency services and National Highway traffic officers are also on scene, Somerset Live reports.
This is an ongoing incident and you can follow the latest in our live blog down below.
How to follow M5 diversion route if travelling north
National Highways have initiated diversion protocols due to a closure of the M5 in both directions in Somerset. Emergency crews are at the scene between J21 near Weston-super-Mare and J20 near Clevedon.
A National Highways spokesperson said that road users should adhere to the Solid Triangle diversion formation, which can be seen on road signs, if travelling north.
“Road users are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol on road signs,” they said.
Exit the M5 northbound at J2,1, join the A370 north/east towards Bristol, travel north on the A370 through Congresbury, West Town and Long Ashton, in Bristol and the A370 junction with the A4, join the A4 westbound.
“Follow the A4 westbound towards Avonmouth (and) at Avonmouth rejoin the M5 at J18.”
Diversion route for southbound traffic now in place
The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J21 near Weston-super-Mare and J20 near Clevedon due to a Police led incident. For those travelling south, National Highways have initiated a different protocol for motorists due to the M5 closure.
A National Highways spokesperson said that road users should adhere to the Hollow Circle symbol road signs if travelling south.
The diversion protocol is as follows:
- Exit the M5 southbound at J18
- Head south on the A4, then the A38
- Re-join the M5 at J22.
Motorists advised to avoid area as delays expected
The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J21 near Weston-super-Mare and J20 near Clevedon due to a police-led incident, National Highways have confirmed. Diversions are now in place, with traffic officers at the scene to assist those caught in the road closure.
A spokesperson from National Highways advised motorists to think ahead if they are planning to use the M5. “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time,” they said.
“Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
Full closure now in place
Emergency crews are at the scene of a now-fully closed down M5 in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are leading the response to an incident currently unfolding between junctions 20 and 21; or Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon respectively.
