The M5 has been closed near Stroud after a multi-vehicle crash was reported today (March 29). As millions of holidaymakers set off of their Easter journeys, drivers face long delays on the M5, which was already expected to be one of the busiest routes this weekend.
The road is closed in the Gloucester-bound direction at junction 13. Emergency services are at the scene, National Highways has said. Traffic is being diverted along the entry and exit slip roads, but there is already around four miles of congestion leading to the collision.
Traffic monitor Inrix reports: "M5 Northbound closed, long delays due to multi-vehicle accident at J13 A419 ( Stroud ). Camera shows the road has closed around 11:35 and traffic is coming off at the exit slip, traffic was held around 11:25, there are three cars near the central reservation."
Read more:
- Lorry driver killed in explosion at Gloucestershire depot
- Heavy rain and flooding strike Gloucestershire with 'act now' warnings in place
This is a live blog. Scroll below for more updates.
Key Events
Traffic cameras show packed motorways
Lots of holiday traffic
Long delays due to holiday traffic on M5 Southbound around J20 B3133 Ettlingen Way ( Clevedon ). Congestion to J16 (Aztec West). Traffic in patches.
M5 traffic easing
Traffic easing, earlier accident on M5 Northbound at J13 A419 ( Stroud ). Camera shows the road had closed around 11:35 to 12:00.
Long delays continue
Long delays due to accident, now on the hard shoulder on M5 Northbound at J13 A419 ( Stroud ). All lanes have been re-opened. Camera shows the road had closed around 11:35 to 12:00.
No one injured
No one is believed to have sustained any injuries in the crash, Gloucestershire Police has said. In a statement, the force said: "The M5 has now reopened following the earlier collision between junctions 14 and 13 northbound.
"The occupants of the vehicles involved are not believed to have sustained any injuries. Officers would like to thank motorists for their co-operation while the closure was in place"
Seven miles of congestion
The #M5 northbound has reopened within J13 #Stroud following a multi-vehicle collision and all lanes are now running running.
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) March 29, 2024
Please be aware there are 7 miles congestion following this incident causing 85 min delays. Please allow time for these delays to clear. pic.twitter.com/J2FAGHm7e2
Police issue statement
Gloucestershire Police have issued a statement confirming four vehicles have been involved. Motorists are being urged to avoid the stretch of the M5 and plan journeys in advance.
Police are also appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage already. There are no details yet on injuries but this is clearly being treated as a potentially serious incident.
A police spokesperson said:
Officers have closed this M5 northbound between junctions 14 and 13 following a multi-vehicle collision this morning (Friday 29 March).
Police were called at around 11.10am with a report that four vehicles had collided. It is currently unknown if anyone is injured.
Motorists are asked to plan their route in advance and avoid the area while emergency services remain at the scene
Officers are asking anyone who witnessed the collision and couldn't stop or who has dashcam footage to get in contact.Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 143 of 29 March
All lanes have reopened
According to Inrix, all lanes have reopened on the M5.
"Severe delays due to accident, now on the hard shoulder on M5 Northbound at J13 A419 ( Stroud ). All lanes have been re-opened. Camera shows the road had closed around 11:35 to 12:00."
Very long delays on M5
Delays of 1.5 hours
According to National Highways, there are already delays of one and a half hours on the M5 after a multi-vehicle crash near Stroud.
Emergency services are at the scene
The #M5 northbound is closed within J13 #Stroud due to a multi-vehicle collision. Traffic is being diverted via the exit and entry slip roads.
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) March 29, 2024
Emergency services and Traffic Officers are on scene.
There are approx. 4 miles congestion on approach to this incident. pic.twitter.com/YOn0yavY3F
M5 northbound closed
M5 Northbound closed, long delays due to multi-vehicle accident at J13 A419 ( Stroud ). Camera shows the road has closed around 11:35 and traffic is coming off at the exit slip, traffic was held around 11:25, there are three cars near the central reservation.
