Drivers stuck in M5 nightmare traffic for three hours with 13-mile queues

There are delays of three hours on the M5 in Somerset after a crash. National Highways reports 13 miles of queues between Burnham-on-sea and Weston-super-Mare after a collision involving multiple vehicles took place on the northbound carriageway just before midday on Saturday, August 30. Congestion formed quickly, with estimated journey times going from 40 minutes, to 90 minuets to three hours over the course of the afternoon.

Traffic was stopped for a time while emergency services were on the scene, before two lanes were closed to vehicles. With just the third lane open, motorway traffic slowed to a crawl. As of around 2pm, all lanes have been reopened and motorists are moving once again.

There are still delays of around three hours in the area. National Highways warned motorists to allow extra time if setting off on journeys this afternoon. In an update, National Highways said: "All lanes are now OPEN on the M5 northbound between J22 #BurnhamOnSea and J21 #WestonSuperMare following a collision.

Please allow extra time as delays of 3 hours remain with approx.

13 miles of congestion."

One person, trapped in traffic, said: "If you are travelling north M5 try to exit before Junction 23 ..

11 mile stationary traffic."

Another witness has said a sign on the M5 at Exeter says there are delays of around two hours between junctions 24-21.