M5 closed: Driver 'injured and trapped' after lorry crashes into bridge with severe traffic delays ongoing
Drivers are being warned of lengthy delays
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Drivers are being warned of severe road delays following a major accident on the M5, forcing the major motorway to close.
National Highways: South-West reported that the M5 in Somerset is closed northbound between J25 Taunton and J24 Bridgewater.
The incident took place before 7am this morning after a lorry collided with a bridge. Emergency services are in attendance.
Traffic was originally also closed on the southbound carriageway to allow for an Air Ambulance to land, although it has now safely landed on the northbound carriageway.
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Maps show miles of standstill traffic
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Avon and Somerset Police, as well as National Highways traffic officers, are in the process of turning traffic around via rearward relief.
However, the road experts are calling on motorists to wait to move until they have been instructed to by officers or emergency services.
National Highways has estimated that the event is expected to clear between 10.15am and 10.30am, with normal traffic conditions expected to return at the same time.
Somerset and Avon Police posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: "The M5 is closed n-bound from jnc 25 #Taunton to 24 #Bridgwater after a lorry collided with a bridge today, Fri 28 June.
"One person is reported as injured & trapped. Emergency services at scene. Pls seek alternative routes." (sic)
All lanes have now re-opened on the southbound carriageway following the departure of the Air Ambulance, National Highways reported.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We currently have three Fire Engines and one Heavy Rescue unit, dealing with a single lorry road traffic collision on the M5 Northbound between junctions 25 and 24.
"The lorry has hit a bridge and the driver is trapped. Crews are currently at work liaising with Police and Ambulance crews and using hydraulic cutting equipment to release the casualty.
"Currently all three lanes northbound between junctions 25 -24 are closed."
A diversion route has been set up, with drivers looking to travel northbound being urged to follow the solid circle diversion symbol.
They should exit the M25 and take the second exit on the roundabout to the A358 Toneway towards Taunton, before continuing over the next roundabout to remain on the A358 Toneway.
At the junction with the A38, drivers should turn right onto Bridgwater Road and remain on the A38 northbound towards Bridgwater.
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Motorists are being advised to check the traffic conditions before the travel
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
At the Sedgemoor roundabout, they can take the fourth exit onto the A38 link road towards J24 of the M5, followed by taking the first exit to the M5 northbound at the roundabout to rejoin at J24.
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