Traffic on the M5 near Bristol is at a standstill as emergency repairs cause significant delays.
This morning, drivers on the M5 near Bristol are facing significant delays due to emergency repairs that have closed two lanes. If you’re trying to cross the border, you might find yourself stuck in a complete standstill. Frustrating, right?
What’s Happening on the M5?
According to National Highways, these lane closures are the result of an “infrastructure defect” on the M5 northbound Avonmouth Bridge, which is located between Portishead and Bristol. How bad is it? Reports suggest that delays could stretch for up to 40 minutes, with traffic backed up all the way to Junction 20 (Clevedon).
In a statement, National Highways South West mentioned: “Two lanes (of four) are closed on the #M5 northbound #AvonmouthBridge between J19 #Portishead and J18 #Bristol due to an infrastructure defect. Expect delays of up to 30 minutes and approximately four miles of congestion on approach.” Traffic monitoring service Inrix confirmed these findings, highlighting the lengthy delays and the impact of the emergency repairs from Junction 19 (A369 Martcombe Road) to Junction 18 (M49).
Current Conditions and Updates
UPDATE AT [time]: National Highways has announced that all lanes of the M5 near Bristol have now reopened. However, don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet—drivers are still facing long wait times, which could reach up to an hour. If you’re traveling in this area, be prepared to wait as traffic remains backed up.
Even with the lanes reopened, delays of up to 60 minutes are still being reported, with congestion extending approximately 10 miles. To make matters worse, ongoing disruptions on the M4, where two lanes are also closed due to emergency repairs from a structural issue, are adding to the chaos.
Given this evolving situation, drivers are encouraged to stay patient and plan their journeys carefully if they’re heading in or around the Bristol area.
Implications for Commuters
The impact of these lane closures isn’t just a headache for local drivers; commuters from neighboring regions are feeling the strain, too. The congested traffic flow has led to frustration and delays, particularly during peak travel times. Authorities are urging everyone to stay alert and follow traffic management directives to ensure safety on the roads.
As things continue to change, it’s crucial for drivers to stay updated via official channels and traffic reports to navigate these delays effectively. Remember, road safety is paramount, so be sure to adhere to any diversions or instructions from traffic officials. Are you prepared for the journey ahead? Plan wisely!
