Diversion routes are in place on the M5 in Somerset after a girl died in a crash near Taunton. A 17-year-old girl was confirmed to have died at the scene, Avon and Somerset Police said, following a collision involving a car and a pedestrian between junctions 24 and 25.
Emergency services were called to the crash at around 11pm on Monday, November 11. The pedestrian, the teenage girl, died at the scene.
Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement that a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to recent prior police contact.
National Highways said: “The M5 in Somerset is closed in both directions between J24 (Bridgwater) and J25 (Taunton) due to an Avon and Somerset Police-led incident.
“National Highways have resources in attendance assisting with traffic management. Due to the nature of the incident, the road is expected to be closed for a lengthy period allow for investigation work to take place.”
The M5 has been closed in both directions since the crash and is expected to stay shut throughout this morning. National Highways is diverting traffic around the closure via solid diamond and solid circle road signs.
M5 diversion routes
Southbound traffic is advised to follow the route marked by the solid diamond diversion symbol, visible on local road signs:
- At J24 Huntworth Interchange exit the M5 taking the 3rd exit onto Huntworth Lane/A38.
- At the next immediate roundabout take the 1st exit onto Taunton Road/A38.
- Continue southbound on the A38 toward Taunton.
- At the A358/A38 interchange, turn left onto the A358 heading towards the M5.
- At M5 J25 Blackbrook Roundabout, take the 4th exit onto the M5 southbound.
Northbound traffic is advised to follow the above route in reverse which will be marked by the solid circle diversion symbol, visible on local road signs:
- Exit the M5 northbound at J25 and join the A358 Toneway northbound
- Continue until the junction with the A38 Bridgwater Road
- Turn right onto the A38 and continue northbound towards North Petherton and Bridgwater
- Re-join the M5 northbound at J24 and continue onward journey