DRIVERS are advised that the M49 northbound at Bristol is likely to remain closed until late afternoon today for emergency repairs to be carried out.

The closure has been in place since yesterday evening following a multi-vehicle collision near the M4 junction 22 interchange.

Fuel spillages have caused significant damage to the road surface and, following vehicle recovery, ongoing resurfacing work is being undertaken by National Highways contractors.

Motorists travelling north on the M5 are advised to continue past junction 18 for the M49 and to use junction 16 for the M4 and onward travel to Wales.

The closure is expected to see increased traffic around the Almondsbury Interchange and in the meantime National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

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