Motorists on the M5 near Bristol are experiencing massive delays of over two hours today due to multiple incidents that have brought traffic to a near standstill. A collision, infrastructure damage, and flooding have combined to cause severe disruption on the motorway.
Currently, two northbound lanes between junctions 20 (Clevedon) and 19 (Portishead) are closed, forcing long queues and frustration among drivers. National Highways has issued a strong warning about the significant hold-ups and is advising commuters to avoid the stretch if possible.
According to Highways officials: “Traffic has been released on the M5 northbound between J20 and J19 following a collision. However, two of the three lanes remain closed due to an infrastructure defect. Service providers are on site addressing the issue. Please allow extra time for your journey.”
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Traffic monitoring service Inrix reports “Severe delays caused by emergency repairs on M5 northbound from J20 Ettlingen Way (Clevedon) to J19 Martcombe Road (Portishead). Congestion stretches back beyond J21 (Weston-super-Mare). Earlier recovery efforts for a collision have now cleared, but the issues persist.”
Adding to the disruption, the southbound carriageway is also impacted by flooding near junction 19, with one lane closed and traffic slow-moving as a result.
Drivers are strongly advised to plan ahead, expect heavy delays, and use alternative routes where possible until the motorway fully reopens.