M5 motorway shut completely with huge tailbacks due to 'welfare incident'
Efforts are being made to free vehicles trapped within the closed off zone
www.walesonline.co.ukI don’t have live access to current traffic feeds right now, but here are the latest recent developments you can check for up-to-date M5 traffic around London/England:
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Recent incidents on the M5 have included closures due to fires involving heavy goods vehicles and related congestion between key junctions near Exeter (J28–J29) and surrounding areas. These events often trigger long delays and official diversion routes, so expect slowdowns in both directions when such incidents occur.[1]
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Ongoing or planned roadworks and lane closures along the M5 in the North Somerset, Bristol, and Somerset corridors can cause periodic disruptions, especially overnight, with several sections showing lane restrictions or full closures during designated windows. If you’re traveling tonight or this weekend, verify current lane status and any scheduled closures.[2]
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There have been reports of a welfare or public-safety related incident causing a complete or near-complete shutdown of portions of the M5, with authorities working to assist stranded motorists and clear the scene. Such closures typically lift once the situation is stabilised and the area is deemed safe.[3]
If you’d like, I can:
- Narrow down to your exact travel window and provide typical repercussion times for common M5 disruptions.
- Set up a quick checklist of real-time sources you can check now (official National Highways updates, regional traffic services) and how to interpret diversion signs.
- Generate a simple plan for alternate routes around the areas most likely to be affected based on your starting point in London.