A MAJOR motorway has been forced to close in both directions after a horror smash last night – sparking rush hour chaos.
Cops have launched an investigation after the “serious collision” occurred on the M5 near Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, just after 11pm.
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Both directions have been closed on the busy routeCredit: National Highways
Emergency crews rushed to the scene between Junction 21 and Junction 20Credit: National Highways South West
Emergency crews rushed to the scene between Junction 21, for Clevedon, and Junction 20, for Weston-super-Mare, at 11.05pm.
Commuters have been warned of severe delays, with officers remaining on the busy route – forcing closures in both directions.
National Highways confirmed the southbound carriageway is closed from J19 to J21, with northbound shut between J21 and J20.
In an update on its website, it said: “Avon and Somerset Police are carrying out investigations at scene.
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“The incident occurred at approx. 23:05. The closures are expected to remain in place for a few (more) hours.
“The M5 in Somerset is closed northbound between J21 near Weston-super-Mare and J20 near Clevedon due to a Police led incident.
“Southbound is closed from J19 to J21.”
Avon and Somerset Police urged drivers to take alternative routes – with diversions currently in place.
The force said: “Emergency services are at the scene of a serious collision on the M5 between Junctions 20 and 21.
“The M5 has been closed in both directions and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.”
Northbound traffic should follow the solid triangle symbol on road signs, while those heading southbound are advised to follow the hollow circle.
For motorists heading towards Bristol, the city’s clean air charge has been suspended for the duration of this closure.
Diversions – northbound and southbound traffic
Northbound – Road users are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M5 northbound at J21
- Join the A370 north/east towards Bristol
- Travel north on the A370 through Congresbury, West Town and Long Ashton.
- In Bristol and the A370 junction with the A4, join the A4 westbound.
- Follow the A4 westbound towards Avonmouth.
- At Avonmouth rejoin the M5 at J18.
Southbound – Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M5 southbound at J18
- Head south on the A4, to the junction with the A3029
- Then the A3070 south-west to Long Ashton,
- Then south on the A4174, and south on the A38
- Re-join the M5 at J22.
Please note that cars and lighter vehicles, if required, can head southbound to the J19, then head south-east on the A369 to Leigh Woods, then A370 south-west to Long Ashton, then south on the A4174, then south on the A38 to J22.
Fire fighters were spotted dousing flames on the motorwayCredit: National Highways South West
