Live: M5 Closed as Police Respond to Welfare Incident
The M5 motorway has been closed in both directions near Bristol due to a police incident, causing significant disruptions for commuters. The closure is in place between Junction 19 near the A369, Martcombe Road in Portishead, and Junction 18 onto the M49.
Traffic was initially stopped just before 12:15 pm, and the incident is being treated as a 'welfare incident' by Avon and Somerset Police. National Highways has confirmed the closure, tweeting about the situation and urging drivers to check their routes and consider alternatives.
The impact of the closure is far-reaching, with delays on the M32 and Newfoundland Way, and high congestion in Bristol City Centre. Bristol Airport has also advised against non-essential travel on the M5, as police attend to a reported concern for a person's welfare.
As of 1:00 pm, traffic is backed up to J20 at Clevedon on the Northbound Carriageway, and queuing back to J17 at Cribbs Causeway. The A4 Portway is also experiencing very slow traffic. Local diversions are in place, but drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully.
The police have expressed gratitude for the public's patience and understanding while emergency services respond to the incident. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For the latest updates, visit the Bristol Live Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bristol.live/) or follow the hashtag #twTraffic on Twitter (https://twitter.com/hashtag/twTraffic?src=hash&refsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) and #Bristol (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bristol?src=hash&refsrc=twsrc%5Etfw).
