M5 chaos expected as over 100,000 head to Balloon Fiesta
Motorists have been advised to plan their routes carefully ahead of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2023, which kicks off later this week. Motorways and A-roads are expected to be busy as an expected 100,000 people per day flock to the city in time for the world famous event.
The festival begins on Thursday, August 10 with a mass ascent of balloons which will light up the evening sky above Ashton Court. Hundreds of hot air balloons will take off from the estate over the weekend, which is set to conclude with another mass ascent in the evening.
Thousands of people are expected to attend this staple in the Bristol calendar, and National Highways has said the M5 is expected to be particularly busy at junction 19 and 21 during the four days. Planned night glows will also mean the Clifton[1] Suspension Bridge will be closed between 6pm and 12am on Thursday and Saturday nights.
Kathryn Wiltshire, National Highways’ network planning officer for the South West, said: “We’re reminding road users to plan ahead during the Balloon Fiesta – roads leading to the event are likely to be very busy.
“Our aim is to keep the National Highways network running while keeping fiesta goers and other road users safe and informed. We advise people to check our traffic and travel information channels, set off early and allow plenty of time.”
Where will traffic be busiest?
The M5 is expected to be especially busy at junction 19 during the event, as Highways says southbound traffic will use the junction to access the A369 and the event site. Heavy traffic is also anticipated on the motorway at junction 21, as northbound traffic uses the A370 to travel to the Fiesta.
Motorists should also expect heavy traffic on the M32.
The night glows – where balloons take off into the evening and light up the night sky – will take place on Thursday and Saturday evenings, from 9pm to 10pm. Highways said the Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed from 6pm to midnight on both of these days.
On Friday and Sunday, the gate will close at 8.30pm.
References
- ^ Clifton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Woman dies in hospital after serious crash (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)