UK: M5 motorway closed northbound to the north-west of Bristol, Sept. 27

Authorities have closed the M5 motorway to the north-west of Bristol, following severe flooding. Official reports indicate that the northbound carriageway is closed between Junction 16 for Aztec West and Junction 14 for Thornbury. The southbound carriageway has re-opened after a temporary closure, but queues remain between Junction 14 and Junction 15 for the Almondsbury Interchange. The parallel A38 road is severely impacted in South Gloucestershire. It is not known how long the disruptions will last.

The motorway closure will likely continue to cause severe tailbacks on the M5 and M4 motorways in the coming hours. It will also likely prompt congestion on local roads and official diversion routes. Police and emergency services have been deployed to monitor the situation.