The M5 motorway was closed between Junction 18 (Avonmouth) and Junction 19 (Portbury) due to a police-led incident, described as ‘welfare-related.’ This closure has caused significant disruption to traffic across Bristol and surrounding areas.
Traffic management systems reported severe congestion, with vehicles moving at average speeds as low as five mph. Diversion routes were established for both southbound and northbound traffic, with the southbound route known as the Hollow Circle route and the northbound route referred to as the Solid Triangle route.
During the closure, Clean Air Zone fines were suspended to alleviate some of the pressure on drivers. All lanes on the M5 have since reopened, but delays of approximately 30–45 minutes are expected in both directions.
As of now, congestion remains 4 miles northbound and 3 miles southbound, indicating that traffic conditions are still far from normal.
Authorities have advised drivers to allow extra travel time and to check real-time traffic updates before setting out. They also recommend considering alternative routes if possible until traffic conditions improve.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specifics of the police-led incident, but the impact on local traffic has been substantial.
