Latest on the M5 Crash — What You Need to Know
At around 11:05 PM on Sunday, November 30, 2025, a "serious collision" occurred on the M5 motorway near Weston‑super‑Mare in Somerset — between Junction 20 (Clevedon) and Junction 21 (Weston‑super‑Mare).
 |
| Latest on the M5 Crash |
As a result of the crash, the M5 was closed in both directions, affecting northbound and southbound traffic, and causing major disruption for early‑morning commuters.
Authorities — including Avon and Somerset Police and emergency services — responded promptly. The closure was part of a “police‑led incident” investigation, with road clearance and safety checks expected to take several hours.
As of the latest update this morning, northbound traffic remains shut between Junctions 21 and 20; southbound is closed from J19 to J21.
What Caused the Crash — What We Know So Far
Official statements so far describe the incident as a “serious collision.” Details about the number of vehicles involved, or whether there were fatalities or major injuries, remain unconfirmed.
Because the crash occurred late at night and required a full investigation and clearance, authorities deemed it necessary to close the motorway in both directions. Such closures are standard procedure in serious incidents — to secure the scene, provide emergency services safe access, and assess damage before reopening.
Traffic monitoring services have noted heavy delays on diversion routes, as vehicles are being rerouted while clearance and investigations continue.
Traffic Impact and Diversion Routes for Drivers
If you were planning to travel northbound on the M5 — or are monitoring conditions for others — here’s what you need to know. As of now:
- Northbound closure: between Junction 21 ↔ Junction 20.
- Southbound closure: between Junction 19 ↔ Junction 21.
Authorities have set up diversion routes:
- Northbound traffic is advised to leave the M5 at J21, join the A370 towards Bristol via Congresbury → West Town → Long Ashton; then at the A370/A4 junction, take the A4 westbound to Avonmouth, and rejoin the M5 at Junction 18.
- Southbound traffic should follow signs marked with a “hollow circle” diversion symbol, using the A4 → A38 via Edithmead and rejoin at Junction 22 (Burnham‑on‑Sea).
Traffic‑monitoring services report slow movement along these diversion routes, with delays expected especially during peak hours.
For travelers to or from Bristol Airport this morning: the crash has significantly impacted routes. Authorities specifically warned airport‑bound passengers to expect disruption.
Why This Crash Matters — Wider Implications
The M5 is one of the United Kingdom’s major motorways, linking the Midlands, South West England, and parts of the South Coast. A full closure — especially lasting through the morning rush hour — has broad repercussions:
- Commuter Chaos: Many drivers rely on the M5 for daily work commutes. The diversion and delays could add significant travel time, cause late arrivals, and spread congestion onto smaller roads.
- Economic Impact: Freight and goods transport often traverse the M5. A closure can disrupt supply chains, cause delivery delays, and increase costs — especially around busy nodes like Bristol, Weston‑super‑Mare, and beyond.
- Emergency Services Pressure: A serious crash requiring full closure puts a strain on police, ambulance, and recovery services, possibly limiting their availability elsewhere.
- Public Safety Reminders: Incidents like this highlight the ongoing risks of motorway travel — particularly late at night, when visibility may be lower and traffic mixing (cars, lorries, night‑time travellers) is common.
What to Do — Advice for Drivers & Commuters
- Avoid the M5 northbound / southbound between J19 and J21 for the time being, especially if you plan to travel near Weston‑super‑Mare or Bristol.
- Use the designated diversion routes (A370 → A4 → Avonmouth / A4 → A38 via Edithmead → Junction 22) as outlined by authorities and road signs.
- Allow extra travel time. Diversion routes are slower, and near‑peak delays are expected.
- Check live traffic updates (via traffic apps or radio) before setting off — closures may change once clearance and investigation are complete.
- If headed to or from Bristol Airport, check alternative routes or allow for delays to reach the airport.
Final Thoughts & What’s Next
At this point, the crash on the M5 northbound remains under investigation. Emergency services and officials are on site, and the motorway has been shut to enable a thorough examination of the scene. The full reopening and return to normal traffic flow depend on the clearance work and any repairs required.
For drivers, commuters, and anyone travelling near Somerset or Bristol today — it's a reminder of how quickly a routine journey can turn into a major disruption. Use diversion routes, stay updated, and plan extra time if you're on the road.
We will continue to monitor for further updates (road‑closures lifted, cause of crash revealed, impact reports) and bring you the latest.
