Motorists travelling northbound from Burnham-On-Sea encountered long delays today (Wednesday) after a lorry overturned on the M5, closing the motorway for several hours.
The accident happened at around 7am between the Portishead and Clevedon junctions, but police said queues quickly formed back to Burnham’s junction 22 which was shut to prevent traffic getting stuck.
However, local roads such as the A38 through Burnham and Highbridge and alternative routes also came to a halt with the extra traffic.
Emergency services were on the scene, as pictured, helping the lorry driver who was taken to Frenchay Hospital with head injuries.
Debris and fuel was spilt over the northbound carriageway, causing a lengthy clean-up operation.
Chief Inspector Rhys Hughes from Avon and Somerset Police said: “We would like to apologise for the inconvenience and thank motorists for their patience. Closing a motorway is never a decision we take lightly and we fully recognise the impact this has on motorists as well as the communities affected by diversions.”
“However, on this occasion we had no other option and we are grateful for the understanding and patience shown by drivers and their passengers today.”
Pictured: The scenes on the M5 captured on a roadside camera
