‘Severe’ M5 delays and standstill traffic in Somerset
There are long delays in both directions on the M5 as holiday traffic arrives in the Westcountry this afternoon (August 18).
Traffic is at almost a standstill near Bristol and Bridgwater, while there are long delays passing Taunton and Weston-super-Mare.
A crash in Exeter, which is now cleared, led to all traffic being held which contributed to delays in the South West. The motorway is regularly congested at this time of the year as thousands of people head to their favourite holiday destinations across the South West.
Inrix states: “Slow traffic due to holiday traffic on M5 Northbound between J25 A358 (Taunton) and J22 (Burnham-on-sea). Picks up in places.”
The school summer break is well underway and while a weather warning is in place for thunderstorms[2], the weather is expected to improve over the weekend and into next week.
Drivers should expect delays at the normal pinchpoints passing Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater and Taunton.
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References
- ^ M5 lorry driver faces trial after trailer hit overhead gantry (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ while a weather warning is in place for thunderstorms (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ here (bit.ly)