M5 diversion after lorry crash as drivers are told to avoid motorway
The M5 southbound[1] near Somerset is expected to remain closed for some time today (December 20) after a lorry crashed and overturned on the motorway[2]. National Highways officers and Devon and Cornwall Police are at the scene of the crash, between junctions 28 and 29 on the southbound carriageway near Cullompton in Devon.
Emergency services were called to the crash shortly before 8am, Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement. One person is reported to have sustained injuries though these are not believed to be serious at this time.
Pictures at the scene show the lorry has overturned and is blocking all three lanes in the southbound direction[3]. National Highways has said traffic caught in the closure is in the process of being released as of around 9am, with vehicles being turned around and freed starting at the rear of the queue.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called to reports of a single-vehicle road traffic collision involving a lorry on the southbound carriageway of the M5 between just south of junction 28 at around 7.55am today, Wednesday 20 December. One person is reported to have been injured but the injuries are not thought to be serious at this time.
“Emergency services are at the scene. The southbound carriageway has been closed between junctions 27 and 28 and is likely to remain so for some time.
Diversion route
Drivers are being diverted via the solid yellow triangle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Exit the M5 southbound at J28 and turn right at the traffic light controlled junction to join the A373
- At the roundabout, head straight over and join the B3181 (Station Road)
- Continue southbound on the B3181, passing through Cullompton, Westcott, Budlake (running parallel to the M5) and Broadclyst until the junction with Cumberland Way
- Join Cumberland Way southbound and then at the next roundabout continue straight over onto Moor Lane
- Continue southbound to then re-join the M5 at J30
References
- ^ M5 southbound (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ motorway (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ the lorry has overturned and is blocking all three lanes in the southbound direction (www.somersetlive.co.uk)