M5 closed after lorry and bike crash

The M5 running through Gloucestershire was closed in both directions after a serious collision involving a lorry and a motorcycle, causing long tailbacks and gridlock on surrounding roads. The M5 was closed on the stretch next to Churchdown, between Gloucester and Cheltenham, with long delays. The air ambulance landed, and traffic on both sides of the motorway was held while emergency services attend the scene.

A motorcyclist has suffered suspected serious injuries[1] in the collision. Drivers heading south were being directed off the M5 at junction 11 for Gloucester and the Golden Valley Bypass, while drivers heading north were being taken off the motorway at junction 11A for Gloucester and Cirencester. The crash has occurred around a mile north of Junction 11A and there was 'trapped traffic' - drivers who were behind the crash but had passed the last exit slip road - who were waiting for the road to be cleared.

The collision occurred on the southbound side of the motorway, but northbound traffic was being held as well.

The incident has since cleared.

This is an ongoing situation, and we will bring all the latest here, scroll down for updates.

References

1. ^ suspected serious injuries (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)