World · Europe · 17 hrs ago
Overturned vehicle closes M5 northbound near Bridgwater
An overturned vehicle temporarily closed the M5 northbound in Somerset on Friday afternoon.
The incident happened between junctions 24 and 23, near Bridgwater.
The closure caused about nine miles of congestion, with traffic backing up towards Taunton and nearby roads also affected.
It happened as weekend and half-term holiday traffic was building on the motorway.
Nobody was reported hurt, and the vehicle was recovered before the road fully reopened.
Delays continued after the crash cleared, but traffic appeared to ease later that evening.
A lorry overturned on the M5 northbound near Bridgwater, temporarily closing all three lanes.
The closure was between junctions 24 and 23, and traffic backed up for about nine miles.
Traffic caught in the closure was released past the scene, and the road later reopened.
No one was hurt, according to the Somerset County Gazette.
Delays were expected to continue after the crash cleared, amid holiday traffic.
- Who
- A lorry was involved; no one was hurt.
- What
- The lorry overturned, temporarily closing the M5 northbound.
- When
- Friday, October 23, 2026, in the afternoon.
- Where
- Between junctions 24 and 23 near Bridgwater, Somerset.
- Why
- The lorry overturned; the cause is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
National Highways said the M5 northbound was closed between junctions 24 and 23 near Bridgwater.
Inrix reported that traffic trapped by the closure had been released.
Inrix said the road was fully open, although long delays remained.
Somerset Live reported that delays appeared to have eased and traffic had cleared in the South West.
- Road
- M5 northbound
- Location
- Between junctions 24 and 23 near Bridgwater
- Vehicle
- Lorry
- Traffic queue
- About 9 miles
- Injuries
- None reported
3 sources
What people are saying
The #M5 northbound is closed between J24 and J23 near #Bridgwater due to an overturned vehicle. Emergency services and recovery on scene.
Posts on X
Final update: #M5 northbound between J24 and J23 near #Bridgwater The carriageway has reopened following an incident involving an overturned vehicle. Recovery has been completed. There are long delays and 9 miles of congestion on the approach.
The #M5 northbound is closed between J24 and J23 near #Bridgwater due to an overturned vehicle. Emergency services and recovery on scene. Traffic caught within the closure are being released passed the scene. There are long delays and 9 miles of congestion on the approach.