DRIVERS should plan ahead after a lorry crashed into oncoming traffic on the M5 in South Gloucestershire

National Highways is advising drivers using the M5 to plan ahead and allow extra time.

The incident happened just after 3pm between junctions 14 (Thornbury) and 15 (Almondsbury Interchange), involving a lorry travelling southbound which crossed over the central reservation and collided with two other vehicles on the northbound carriageway.

Traffic was initially blocked both southbound and northbound to enable emergency services to attend the scene and the northbound carriageway is expected to be closed for some time for police investigation work.

Two southbound lanes were reopened shortly after 4.30pm, with residual delays in the area, while northbound traffic is being diverted from junction 16 along the A38 to rejoin the M5 at junction 14.

Drivers wishing to join the M5 northbound from the M4 are also being diverted.

The northbound closure is expected to be protracted and last through the afternoon and evening peak to enable investigation work, vehicle recovery and any carriageway and barrier repairs required.

In the meantime, National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and to consider alternate routes where possible.

Up-to-date travel information is available from National Highways by visiting www.trafficengland.com and Twitter updates are also available via X (formerly Twitter) at @HighwaysSWEST.

And for urgent real-time assistance, the company’s 24/7 contact centre team is able to provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000.