Everything we know after M5 closure caused chaos in Somerset

It was chaos in the extreme heat as there were eight miles of queues and almost two-hour delays

11:03, 27 Jun 2026Updated 11:29, 27 Jun 2026

Extremely heavy traffic on the M5 near Taunton(Image: National Highways )

M5 overhead cable fault caused two-hour delays

1. An emergency closure on the M5 in Somerset caused absolute chaos for motorists as the overhead cables needed "emergency assessment" yesterday (Friday, June 26). SomersetLive reported the motorway was closed for hours[1] between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater North after a fault was found with the National Grid infrastructure.
2. Just after 1.30pm, a section of the motorway was closed in both directions and National Highways said there were 90 minute delays in Somerset. Traffic cameras showed monster queues on the approach to the closure and workmen on the empty road between the two junctions
3. At the time of the disruption, a National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said: "We are carrying out essential repair work following a fault affecting equipment in the area near the M5 between junctions 22 and 23. To allow this work to be completed safely, sections of the motorway have been temporarily closed in both directions."
4. The motorway closure caused surrounding roads to become heavily congested throughout the afternoon.

   The A38 and roads around Bridgwater were worst affected by traffic avoiding the motorway closure.

5. National Highways put a diversion route in place[2] as the repair work was carried out on the M5. Disruption continued throughout the afternoon with expected delays of almost two hours and eight miles of congestion in both directions.
6. Avon and Somerset Police said: "Please avoid/delay travel on the M5. two-hour and eight-mile delays from earlier closure junctions 22 and 23 (risk from damaged high voltage electricity infrastructure). If you must travel, please follow National Highways advice."
7. The motorway reopened fully around 3.20pm , but motorists faced "severe" delays in both directions because of the closure.

   Around 4.30pm, National Highways said there were residual delays of 75 minutes southbound and around 20 minutes northbound.

8. After almost six hours from the initial closure, the monster delays and congestion cleared and traffic returned to normal.
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Read the full story here: Monster M5 queues due to fault[5]

References

1. ^ SomersetLive reported the motorway was closed for hours (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ National Highways put a diversion route in place (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
3. ^ click the link here (tinyurl.com)
4. ^ Privacy Notice (bit.ly)
5. ^ Monster M5 queues due to fault (www.somersetlive.co.uk)