The M5 was closed today after flooding blocked both the northbound and southbound carriageways. The closure north of Bristol was in place for several hours and diversions were put in place. Drivers experienced long delays.
Both the northbound and southbound carriageways were closed between the Almondsbury Interchange and junction 14 in Gloucestershire. Traffic monitoring site Inrix reported: "M5 northbound closed, long delays due to flooding from J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West) to J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield).
The southbound stretch from junction 14 for Thornbury and Falfield to junction 15 for the M4 at the Almondsbury Interchange was also closed due to flooding, several miles of queues and congestion back to Michaelwood Services. There was also heavy congestion on the A38 between Woodford and Almondsbury as traffic diverted.
Both carriageways had reopened by 1.30pm.
This is a live blog. Scroll down for updates and we will publish the latest information as we get it.
Key Events
Traffic has eased
Traffic on the M5 north of Bristol has eased following earlier flooding. However, there is still some congestion between junctions 15 and 21.
M5 latest - all open but long delays
Long delays due to earlier flooding on M5 Northbound from J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West) to J15 M4 J20 (Almondsbury Interchange). Congestion to J17 (Cribbs Causeway) and routes through Thornbury along the A38 as traffic heads away.
Traffic was held briefly around 11:20.
Northbound update
Inrix reported:
M5 Northbound closed, long delays due to flooding from J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West) to J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield). Congestion to the A38 which is solid between Woodford and Almondsbury as traffic diverts.
The northbound carriageway remains closed whilst clear up works and recovery for stranded vehicles is completed.
M5 southbound reopens
From Inrix:
Long delays due to earlier flooding on M5 southbound from J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield) to J15 M4 (Almondsbury Interchange). Congestion to just past Michaelwood Services. The A38 is queueing between Woodford and Almondsbury as traffic diverts.
Cameras show the southbound carriageway has now fully reopened as the flood has been cleared.
ITV News video shows flooding on the M5
This was the scene on the M5 near Bristol this morning as flooding trapped drivers on the motorway.
— ITV News West Country (@itvwestcountry) September 27, 2024
There are delays of 50 minutes against expected traffic on the northbound carriageway.
Latest updates here: https://t.co/RkGACKrOKf pic.twitter.com/QI4PeA7dr3
Traffic camera shows empty motorway
A National Highways traffic camera shows the empty motorway north of the Almondsbury Interchange.
Long delays on A38
There is very slow moving traffic on the A38 between Almondsbury and Woodford as traffic diverts away from the M5.
Delays of one hour
National Highways is reporting delays of an hour on the M5 northbound between junction 18a and junction 16. Traffic cameras show heavy congestion. Those travelling to Bristol Airport should leave additional time for their journey.
Restrictions on M48 Severn Bridge
Inrix reports:
Strong winds and restrictions on M48 Severn Bridge in both directions from J1 A403 (Aust) to J2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow).
Everyone comes off Eastbound at J2 and West at J1, around the roundabouts and back on to cross the bridge, which remains open. Usual restriction in case the bridge needs to be closed quickly if cross winds get worse.
Three miles of congestion
Delays are building on approach to the #Bristol</a>.<br><br>The road remains closed:<br>Northbound J16 #<a href=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/motoring/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Almondsbury?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#Almondsbury</a> to J14 <a href=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/motoring/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Falfield?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#Falfield</a> <br>Southbound J14 to J15 <a href=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/motoring/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/M4?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#M4</a><br><br>Delays of 45 mins & approx. 3 miles congestion both ways<br><br>Diversions & more info:<a href=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/motoring/"https://t.co/rPoUron8rx">https://t.co/rPoUron8rx <a href=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/motoring/"https://t.co/UVKavwxgVP">pic.twitter.com/UVKavwxgVP
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) <a href=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/motoring/"https://twitter.com/HighwaysSWEST/status/1839556449493483756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>September 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src=https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/motoring/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>" target="_self" rel="Follow">SW highways tweetLatest images
Motorways cameras are showing gridlocked traffic.
Flood alerts in place
This means flooding is possible:
- Bow and Piddle Brook
- Bristol Frome catchment
- Middle Avon Rugby to Bidford
- River Avon in Worcestershire
- River Cole, Dorcan Brook and South Marston Brook
- River Dikler from Condicote to Little Rissington
- River Evenlode from Moreton in Marsh to Cassington and also the River Glyme at Wootton and Woodstock
- River Frome in Herefordshire
- River Leach from Northleach to Mill Lane near Lechlade
- River Leadon catchment
- River Lugg south of Leominster
- River Ock from Watchfield to Abingdon, and also the Letcombe Brook at Wantage, Grove and East Hanney
- River Severn in Gloucestershire
- Rivers in South Worcestershire
- River Stour in South Warwickshire
- River Thames and its small tributaries from Calcutt to Lechlade
- River Thames and tributaries from Buscot Wick down to Kings Lock
- River Windrush from Bourton to Newbridge
- Tributaries in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury
- Tributaries in Gloucester
- Upper Bristol Avon area
Yellow weather warning
Heavy rain will bring the potential for some flooding and disruption to transport. 10-15 mm of rain could occur within an hour from the heavy showers during today with a few places possibly seeing 30 mm over a few hours.
What to expect:
- There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
- Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
- Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads
- There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
Emergency services at the scene
National Highways reports:
Avon and Somerset Fire & Rescue are working with the Environment Agency, Police, Our Traffic Officers and Contractors at scene to clear the flooding as soon as possible.
Diversions
Northbound traffic is diverted to follow the solid triangle symbol:-
Exit the M5 at J16 onto the A38. Follow to re-join the M5 at J14
Southbound traffic is to follow the Solid Circle symbol:-
Exit the M5 at J14 and at the end of the slip road turn right onto the B4509 westbound At the junction with the A38 turn left onto the A38 southbound, towards Bristol Continue on the A38 for approximately 8 miles to Almondsbury Roundabout/M5 J16 Take the third exit to rejoin the M5 southbound.
Delays are likely on the approach to this closure, with additional journey times also expected on diversion routes.
People left stranded
We're currently working with @HighwaysSWEST to rescue people stranded on the motorway.
— Avon Fire & Rescue Service (@AvonFireRescue) September 27, 2024
The M5 is closed in both directions between J16 and J14 due to flooding heavy rainfall.
Follow @HighwaysSWEST for traffic updates. https://t.co/GFjGlXf8ui
Inrix reports multiple delays
M5 - GLOUCESTERSHIRE - NORTHBOUND - BRISTOL
M5 Northbound closed due to flooding from J16 A38 Gloucester Road (Aztec West) to J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield).
M5 - GLOUCESTERSHIRE - SOUTHBOUND
M5 Southbound closed, queueing traffic for two miles due to flooding from J14 B4509 (Thornbury / Falfield) to J15 M4 (Almondsbury Interchange). Congestion to Michaelwood Services.
M5 - GLOUCESTERSHIRE - BOTH DIRECTIONS
One lane closed due to barrier repairs on M5 in both directions between J9 A46 (Tewkesbury) and J10 A4019 (Cheltenham).
In lane three (of three), after an accident early this morning.
