M5 Motorway reopened in North Somerset after incident

On Tuesday, March 17, drivers were stopped as a stretch of the M5 was blocked in both directions between Junction 18 (Avonmouth) and Junction 19 (Portbury). Officers were alerted to the incident, subsequently closing off a large stretch of the road in the morning.

This led to approximately three miles of congestion southbound and two miles northbound on the M5, which is increasing.

Motorists are now being advised to allow extra time for their journeys. Avon and Somerset Police have provided a statement on the incident, which has led to "significant congestion" in and around the area. "The M5 is closed in both directions between junctions 18 (Avonmouth) and 19 (Portbury) due to a welfare-related incident," a police spokesperson said.

"Emergency services are at the scene, however there is significant congestion in the area. "Motorists are advised to give extra time for their journey and seek alternative routes. "We will provide updates as soon as we're able to."

There are delays of at least 110 minutes along the M5 Motorway in North Somerset today (March 17).

UPDATE: The M5 Motorway has reopened both ways in North Somerset after the earlier incident.

References

1. ^ M5 North Somerset traffic blocked in both directions (www.northsomersettimes.co.uk)
2. ^ Bristol Airport works begin to build new energy centre (www.northsomersettimes.co.uk)