Photo courtesy of Avon and Somerset Police

M5 remains closed after tanker overturns

The M5 remains closed in both directions between junctions 23-24 after a tanker overturned this morning resulting in a substantial chemical spillage on the carriageway.

It is expected that the southbound carriageway will reopen at around 6pm this evening once the recovery of the tanker has been completed.

A spokesperson for Avon & Somerset Police said: “The northbound carriageway will need resurfacing overnight but Highways England is doing everything possible to get one lane open after 6pm to help release traffic diverting through the centre of Bridgwater and surrounding area.”

The northbound carriageway will need to completely reclose later in the evening to allow resurfacing to take place but is expected to reopen in time for the morning rush hour tomorrow.

Drivers are presently being diverted from the M5 on to A38 at both junctions.

The chemical tanker spilt approximately 1,000 litres of kerosene across three lanes of the northbound carriageway and the hard should after it overturned.

There was also 5,500 litres of kerosene left on the vehicle which needs to be decanted before it could be safely recovered.

Avon and Somerset Police, Somerset and Devon Fire Service and the Environment Agency have been in attendance at the scene since the incident happened.

Drivers are advised to check their route and listen to traffic updates while travelling.