M5 Traffic Chaos: Diesel Spill Causes Major Delays, Lanes Reopen After Cleanup Efforts
Traffic on the M5 has been severely disrupted after a significant diesel spill caused by a ruptured fuel tank of a lorry. The spill, which spread across about half a mile of the northbound carriageway near Junctions 23 and 24, has resulted in long delays and heavy congestion for motorists. The incident, which was reported early this morning, has been causing travel headaches for those trying to navigate through Somerset, particularly near Bridgwater.
As the spill covered a large portion of the road, emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police, and National Highways have been working tirelessly to manage the situation. For several hours, the affected stretch of the M5 was completely closed, leading to a 90-minute delay for drivers attempting to get through. Despite the closure, National Highways has since managed to reopen two of the northbound lanes, though residual delays are still expected, particularly between Junctions 23 and 24.
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The situation has been a cause of concern for both motorists and emergency responders, as the diesel spill poses a serious risk to motorcyclists, who could easily lose control on the slippery surface. Not only does the spill create a hazard, but it also contributes to road surface degradation. The longer the diesel remains on the road, the more significant the damage it can cause, potentially affecting the structural integrity of the road itself. National Highways is taking precautions to prevent further damage by sending teams to clean the road with specialist chemicals. These contractors are working to restore the surface to a safe condition before further testing can be done to assess its skid resistance.
For now, drivers are advised to avoid the area or expect prolonged travel times. National Highways has set up a diversion route for northbound drivers, guiding them off the motorway at Junction 24, leading them through the A38 in Bridgwater before rejoining the M5 at Junction 23. With the cleanup ongoing, it is expected that the full resumption of traffic flow will take place later today, but the extent of the damage and how long it will take to fully restore the road remains unclear.
Motorists are urged to plan their trips carefully and allow extra time for any necessary detours. With the road closure affecting both the M5 and surrounding routes, the impact is likely to be felt for several hours. For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation and assure that efforts to minimize disruption are ongoing. It is hoped that the situation will improve by the afternoon, but drivers should stay updated on traffic reports to avoid unnecessary delays.
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