The M5 in Somerset reopened between J22 and J23 after being closed for more than an hour because overhead electricity cables were at risk of falling into the road. National Highways said the route was moving again after the closure between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater North, but queues and delays had already built up on the motorway and nearby roads.
National Highways reported eight miles of queues while the road was shut. National Grid said the work was complete and added: "We know this will be frustrating for people facing longer journeys in the hot weather, and are sorry for the disruption caused."
Dean Poolman on the M5
Dean Poolman, a reporter, said he had been on the M5 for about an hour when he got stuck in the closure. He said, "All you could see was an empty road in front of us as we queued to get off the motorway," and added, "The diversion route via the A38 is very busy and the surrounding lanes."
Avon and Somerset Police said there were long delays especially on the A38 in Bridgwater and Highbridge, and advised avoiding or delaying travel if possible. Poolman said the slowdown started southbound from J21 for Weston-super-Mare, which gave drivers little warning before the queues tightened around the closure point.
A38 diversion in Somerset
All traffic was diverted onto the A38 while the motorway remained shut. That left the main route open again, but it did not clear the pressure straight away, and surrounding routes were still very busy after the reopening.
For drivers already on the road, the practical change is immediate: the motorway section between J22 and J23 is open again, but the backlog on the diversion route can still hold up travel through Somerset. The remaining question is what caused the overhead electricity cables to be at risk in the first place.
