M5 traffic chaos as major motorway closed in one direction with 9-mile diversion in place | UK | News
Motorists faced traffic problems on Monday morning as delayed paving works led to a nine-mile diversion route on a major highway. Travelers using the M5 near Tiverton in Devon are facing significant disruption due to the road closure, forcing them to make a detour of up to nine miles.
The road between Junction 27 for Tiverton and Junction 26 for Wellington is scheduled to reopen at 6am on Monday following completion of the necessary road works. However, National Highways said the northbound highway remained closed “due to an issue with the asphalt.” A National Highways spokesman said: “The northbound M5 ROAD is CLOSED between J27 Tiverton in Devon and J26 Taunton in Somerset.
“Due to resurfacing work taking longer than expected. Contractors have advised that the asphalt takes time to harden and is not safe to use at this stage. A diversion is being made by the A38 and A358. The work is expected to be completed by 7am.”
Due to the road closure, motorists are being diverted to a nine-kilometre alternative route to pass through the affected area.
Drivers are advised to follow the road signs marked with filled circles to navigate the diversion route. To do this, they must exit the M5 at Junction 27 and take the third exit onto the A38 heading towards Wellington.
They are asked to continue on the A38 for approximately nine miles until they reach Chelston Roundabout. There, continue onto the M5 using the fourth exit and rejoin the northbound main road at Junction 26.
To ensure drivers stay on the right path, they are instructed to follow signs marked with a filled circle symbol, designated as the official indication of deviation from this path.
However, traffic eased at 7 am as National Highways informed that the road works on the highway were completed.
In the latest update on X, officials said: “The work is now complete and the M5 northbound has reopened between J27 Tiverton in Devon and J26 Wellington in Somerset. Thank you for your patience and please have a safe journey.”
