Latest News About M5 Closures

Updated 2026-05-18 14:01

Here are the latest updates on M5 closures based on recent reports I found:

A major closure on the M5 occurred on January 30, 2026, due to a welfare incident, with the motorway shut completely and severe delays extending back toward Clevedon. Emergency services were handling the situation, and traffic was advised to avoid the area.[1]
Late 2025 into early 2026, National Highways planned a series of closures around junction 27 (Willand area) as part of ongoing works, including weekend and overnight closures of the southbound slip roads, with diversions in place and updates to traffic management anticipated.[2]
There have been recurring reminders of scheduled closures and maintenance across various dates (including 2024–2025 periods) around the M5 near junctions 20–21 in North Somerset and nearby sections, typically with overnight windows and expected delays of up to 10–30 minutes during peak work periods. Diversions are usually provided and motorists are urged to plan ahead.[5][7]
A notable incident in September 2025 involved a car transporter fire on the M5 between junctions 28 and 29 near Exeter, causing a temporary closure and significant congestion; traffic was diverted via nearby routes and drivers were urged to avoid the area when possible.[4]
Regular live-travel updates and closures are provided by various local outlets and traffic services, highlighting the need to check real-time conditions before travel, as closures can be scheduled or emergency-driven and can vary by day.[6][8]

If you’d like, I can narrow this to a specific segment or date range (e.g., M5 around North Somerset J20–J21, or J27 corridor) and pull the most recent confirmed closures with exact times and diversion routes. I can also monitor for new updates and summarize them daily.

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