Drivers have been warned to expect huge delays after a major diesel spillage forced the closure of a vital motorway this afternoon.
The M5 in Somerset has been impacted by the spillage with the northbound carriageway shut between Junction 24 and Junction 23 near Bridgwater.
The incident, caused by a leaking HGV fuel tank, has resulted in delays of roughly 90 minutes for motorists.
National Highways and emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police, are currently at the scene managing the situation.
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National Highways hopes to be able to reopen the road by the afternoon
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The closure remains in place while officials assess the extent of damage to the road surface and determine whether resurfacing work will be required.
The diesel spillage is roughly half a mile long on the northbound carriageway, creating a significant hazard for road users.
National Highways has warned such spillages pose a particular risk to motorcyclists and can cause serious damage to road surfaces. The longer diesel remains on the carriageway, the greater the potential for surface degradation and risk of water system contamination.
Traffic Officers are working alongside emergency services to manage the incident and its impact on motorway traffic.
Contractors have been deployed to the scene to clean the affected road surface using specialist chemicals.
Following the chemical treatment, officials will conduct tests to assess the skid resistance of the carriageway surface.
If these tests indicate the surface treatment has not been sufficiently effective, a complete resurfacing of the affected stretch may be necessary to ensure road safety.
Motorists are being advised to follow a diversion route marked with solid triangle symbols. The alternative route directs drivers to exit the M5 at Junction 24, taking the first exit onto the A38.
Traffic should then follow the A38 through Bridgwater to the roundabout with the A39, where drivers should take the third exit.
The diversion continues along the A39 to the M5 Junction 23 roundabout, where motorists can rejoin the northbound carriageway.
National Highways advises drivers to plan ahead and consider either re-routing their journey or delaying travel.
The agency did say it hopes to reopen one lane of the northbound carriageway this afternoon.
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The diesel spill spans half a mile long with National Highways agencies working on clearing the damage
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
The event is expected to clear between 5:15pm and 5:30pm later today.
Someone shared on X: “90 minutes? I had a driver sat in the traffic since 11:40 and they are still a mile from junction 24. I make that over 150 minutes and a mile still to go.”