Drivers are facing severe disruption on the M5 in Gloucestershire this afternoon following a serious collision that has forced the closure of the motorway.
Emergency Services at the Scene
Gloucestershire Police were first called to the incident on the M5 northbound at approximately 11:40am on Tuesday, January 13. The collision occurred between junctions 14 (Dursley) and 13 (Stroud), close to Michaelwood Services.
A police spokesperson confirmed that emergency services are currently at the scene dealing with what is described as a "serious collision". All lanes on the northbound carriageway remain closed while investigations and recovery work take place.
Major Traffic Disruption
National Highways, which manages England's motorways, announced the closure just after 12pm. They stated the road is likely to remain closed throughout the day, causing significant delays for travellers.
While the southbound carriageway has since been reopened, the northbound closure is causing major tailbacks. Traffic caught within the closure is being managed, but long delays are reported on the official A38 diversion route, which is further hampered by existing local roadworks.
Advice for Motorists
Authorities are strongly urging drivers to avoid the area entirely. Gloucestershire Police have advised all motorists to seek alternative routes for their journeys.
National Highways traffic officers are on scene assisting with the strategic closures. Officers have stated they will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
For those already travelling in the region, patience is advised as congestion is expected to persist for several hours. Checking live traffic updates before setting off is highly recommended.
