M5 closed after huge smoke from lorry fire

All traffic on the M5 northbound has been stopped due to a vehicle fire. The incident was first reported by traffic monitoring service Inrix at 9.41pm.

The incident is believed to have happened between junction 11 (Gloucester) and junction 10 (Cheltenham). Inrix reports: "M5 Northbound blocked due to vehicle fire from J11 A40 (Gloucester / Golden Valley Bypass) to J10 A4019 (Cheltenham)."

National Highways has also confirmed Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue are at the scene.

A statement said: "The M5 in Gloucestershire is closed northbound between J11 and J10 near Cheltenham due to a heavy goods vehicle fire. The southbound carriageway is currently blocked due to smoke blowing across the carriageway reducing visibility to drivers.

"Emergency services including Gloucestershire Police are in attendance." National Highways have deployed resources to assist with traffic management.

Diversion Route

Road users are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol on road signs

• Leave the M5 northbound at J11 and take the 1st exit onto the A40 heading west.
• Follow the A40 to the roundabout with the A417 at Gloucester and take the 3rd exit onto the A417 heading north.
• Continue on the A417 up the M50 J2 and turn right at the junction to join the M50 eastbound.
• Follow the M50 eastbound back to the M5 J8 and rejoin the M5 to continue your journey.

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

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