Exeter is gridlocked after M5 lorry crash sparks major delays

North and southbound traffic is affected

Molly Seaman

15:32, 01 Aug 2025

A lorry crashing through the central reservation on the M5 has sparked major delays in Exeter and other parts of Devon today, Friday, August 1.

Drivers face delays of at least an hour after a lorry ploughed into the central reservation near junction 29 on the motorway, at Exeter[1].

The outside lane of the M5[2] is currently closed as National Highways is at the scene.

The lorry has been recovered, but significant damage has been caused to the central reservation.

National Highways has said: "There are long delays on approach to the lane closure in both directions on the #M5 between J29 #Exeter and J28 # Tiverton[3]

"Delays in excess of 60 minutes northbound and 30 minutes southbound (above usual journey times).

"A lorry has crossed over resulting in significant damage."

Follow our live blog here for the latest updates.[4]

One person who has been stuck in tailbacks said: "M5 right now northbound between Exeter and Cullompton[5] - averaging 10-15mph".

Roads and traffic monitoring site, Inrix, reports "severe" delays on the M5 in Devon after a lorry crashed into the central reservation.

It said: "Congestion to M5 J31 / A38 / A30 ( Okehampton[6] turn off) and traffic coming from A30 Alphington Junction as it joins the M5.

"A lane closure is now in place on both sides for an accident that happened on the northbound side."

it is not thought that anyone suffered any injuries.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision involving a heavy goods vehicle on the M5 near Cullompton.

"It was reported that the lorry was in collision with the central reservation between junctions 29 and 28 at around 12.20pm today, Friday 1 August.

"There are no reports of any injuries at this time."

The crash comes as thousands are expected to take to the roads during the summer holidays.

Traffic across Exeter has been affected with tailbacks, with drivers also being warned of long delays and high volumes of traffic at Sandygate roundabout.

The delays won't be helped by roadworks across the city, particularly in Heavitree.[7]

References

1. ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ the M5 (www.devonlive.com)
3. ^ Tiverton (www.devonlive.com)
4. ^ Follow our live blog here for the latest updates. (www.devonlive.com)
5. ^ Cullompton (www.devonlive.com)
6. ^ Okehampton (www.devonlive.com)
7. ^ roadworks across the city, particularly in Heavitree. (www.devonlive.com)