Drivers are currently experiencing significant delays lasting up to three hours on a busy motorway due to an urgent structural issue. The M5 near Bristol has been impacted by the closure of three lanes for emergency repairs, causing extensive traffic congestion, particularly as many travelers are heading towards Devon and Cornwall for summer holidays.
National Highways has identified an infrastructure defect on the M5 northbound Avonmouth Bridge, prompting the ongoing repairs. As of the latest update at 2:32 pm, severe delays exceeding two hours and an eight-mile backlog are reported on the M5 northbound in Somerset. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys due to the lane closures between J19 (Portishead) and J18 (Bristol).
The repairs on the M5 are expected to continue near Bristol, with two lanes set to remain closed until at least 9 pm. National Highways: South West confirms that while one lane has reopened, two lanes will stay closed for tarmac curing, resulting in a three-hour delay and a 14.5-mile queue extending back to J21.
This situation follows a recent major incident on the M5, where all lanes were shut in Devon following a serious collision between J28 (Cullompton) and J29 (Exeter Airport). With diversions in place, drivers were warned of extended delays as emergency services responded to the scene.
Despite complaints from motorists about the prolonged wait times and the ongoing repairs during peak holiday traffic, National Highways emphasizes the necessity of addressing the immediate road surface issues. Images depict the repair work taking place on the M5, highlighting the extensive damage to the roadway.
Inrix, a website monitoring traffic conditions, reports lengthy delays and three lane closures on the M5 Avonmouth Bridge northbound, leading to congestion and queuing traffic extending back to J20 (Clevedon).
National Highways South West continues to advise drivers of the severe delays on the M5 northbound in Somerset due to the ongoing emergency repairs at the Avonmouth Bridge. Motorists are urged to plan their journeys accordingly and prepare for additional travel time.