M5 closed: Motorway shut as police deal with “welfare incident”
A major motorway has been closed in what has been described as a “police led incident”.
The closure of a major motorway is causing massive delays for motorists, including those heading to the airport. A section of the M5 has been shut in a “police led incident” leading to tailbacks throughout Bristol.
An alert released by National Highways reads: “The M5 (Avonmouth Bridge) is closed in both directions between J18 (M49) and J19 (Gordano Services) due to an Avon & Somerset Police led incident. A local diversion is currently in place prior to the closure.
“Traffic within the southbound is currently being released from the rear of the queue. Preparations are being made to release traffic on the northbound carriageway.”
Motorists heading out have been urged to allow for extra time, if the closure impacts on their planned route. National Highways also urged people to plan ahead and either re-route journeys or even delay it until after the incident has cleared.
Somerset and Avon Police confirmed that the M5 is currently closed between J18 (M49) and J19 (Portishead) due to a “welfare incident”. A message posted to their social media account reads: “We are grateful for your patience and understanding while emergency services respond to this matter.”
Frustrations have risen among people caught up in the closure. One woman took to Twitter saying: “My mother is stuck on that part of M5. How can she get out of it?”
The reply from National Highways South-West said: “Unfortunately she can't unless it’s a medical emergency then you will need to call 999. Plans are being made to release traffic within the closure but it will take time.”
More information around travel disruption can be found by following National Highways South West's updates on X or via their website.