Emergency services have closed the M5 in Somerset in both directions between junctions J23 (Puriton) and J24 (Bridgwater South) after being called to an ongoing incident that raised concerns for an individual's safety.
Road closures and impact
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed officers and partner agencies are attending the scene. As a result, traffic has been held and motorists are facing significant delays on approaches to the closure.
- Closed section: M5 both directions, J23 (Puriton) to J24 (Bridgwater South)
- Also affected: A39 Bath Road near its junction with Bower Lane
- Delay estimate: up to 80 minutes on approach, with congestion extending for miles
"These closures are necessary on safety grounds, and we would ask road users to seek an alternative route at this time."
National Highways has corroborated that the motorway remains shut while emergency services operate at the scene. Their traffic monitoring systems show long queues building on the approaches to the affected stretch, with officers advising drivers to avoid the area if possible.
Practical advice for drivers
If you were planning to use the M5 through Somerset this morning or shortly, consider the following steps:
- Postpone non-essential journeys that would use the closed section.
- Use alternative routes that avoid the closure; allow extra time for travel if detours are unavoidable.
- Check live traffic updates from National Highways and local traffic-monitoring services before setting out.
Police have not published further details about the nature of the incident, other than that it involves concern for an individual's safety. Motorists are urged to cooperate with any directions from officers and to be mindful of emergency vehicle movements in the area.
| Location | Status | Advisory |
|---|---|---|
| M5 J23–J24 | Closed both directions | Avoid the area; expect delays up to 80 minutes |
| A39 Bath Road (near Bower Lane) | Partially affected | Use alternative local routes where possible |
InfoRadar will continue to monitor updates from Avon and Somerset Police and National Highways. We will publish further information when the motorway reopens or if authorities release additional details about the incident.
