Motorists on the M5 are facing significant delays after a lorry collision caused a major disruption earlier today. The northbound carriageway is currently closed between junctions 13 (Stroud) and 14 (Falfield) following a lorry striking the central reservation and spilling a large quantity of diesel fuel onto the road.
The crash occurred just before 2pm, and by 3pm, traffic monitoring service Inrix noted that motorists were already starting to queue southbound as drivers slowed to observe the incident. National Highways also closed one southbound lane to manage traffic safely around the scene.
National Highways have implemented diversion routes and issued warnings that delays could last up to an hour. Their official update on X stated: “M5 remains closed northbound between J14 at Falfield and J13 for Stroud due to a collision, barrier damage and a large diesel spillage. Delays of 60 minutes northbound (four miles of congestion) and 30 minutes southbound (three miles of congestion).”
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Despite these estimates, some drivers report even longer waits. One driver, Dave Hall, shared that he had already been stuck for one hour and 15 minutes, well before reaching the affected junction.
Drivers traveling in the area should plan for extended travel times and follow diversion signs while cleanup and repairs are underway.