The M5 was closed between Bristol and Portishead amid a vehicle fire for much of this afternoon, Monday, April 15. A motorway camera showed fire crews at the scene as smoke billowed across the carriageway, making driving conditions dangerous.
The fire broke out on the northbound carriageway at junction 19 for Portishead. It was first reported at around 3.10pm. The southbound carriageway was reopened at around 4.20pm. Northbound traffic was being diverted via local routes and reopened at around 5pm.
National Highways South West said in a post on X: "The #M5 northbound between J19 #Portishead and J18 #Bristol is closed due to a vehicle fire. @DSFireUpdates are at scene."
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This is a live blog. Scroll down for updates.
Key Events
All lanes open
There remains some heavy traffic on the M5 northbound but it is clearing.
One lane of northbound M5 reopens amid huge delays
The northbound carriageway of the M5 has reopened although only lane four is currently being used. National Highways is reporting six miles of queuing traffic and 60-minute delays.
Lorry fire extinguished
Inrix reports that the vehicle that burst into flames was a lorry. The fire has now been put out.
M5 northbound to stay closed for hours
M5 northbound delays are expected to continue until at least 7.30pm this evening, according to National Highways.
Southbound traffic released
Firefighters assessing the situation
National Highways in the South West is reporting that the fire service is assessing the situation ahead of the two carriageways being reopened.
Pictures of empty M5 after closure
Stationary traffic amid lorry fire
The latest update from Inrix says: "M5 Avonmouth Bridge Northbound blocked, stationary traffic due to lorry fire and smoke blowing across the road from J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead) to J18 M49. Note change of location.
"Held around 15:10, fire located on the main carriageway, southbound traffic also held around 15:25."
M5 closed between Portishead and Bristol
The #M5 northbound between J19 #Portishead and J18 #Bristol is closed due to a vehicle fire.@DSFireUpdates are at scene.
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) April 15, 2024
More details to follow shortly. pic.twitter.com/KJh2wNDJPC
Inrix latest
Inrix says: "M5 Northbound entry slip road closed due to vehicle fire at J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead). Traffic is coping well.
"Closed around 15:10, traffic also held at the junction."
