Flooding has shut down a motorway with stranded drivers being rescued by emergency services.
The M5 west of Wiltshire is the main road link between the west midlands and the southwest, but is closed northbound between junction 16 Aztec West and 14 Thornbury.
It is also closed southbound between junctions 14 and 15 as of 6.43 this morning, September 27.
Although not specifically local to Swindon, this closure will impact anyone looking to head out that way today - with people being advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Delays are building on approach to the #M5 closures near #Bristol.
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) September 27, 2024
The road remains closed:
Northbound J16 ##Almondsbury to J14 #Falfield
Southbound J14 to J15 #M4
Delays of 45 mins & approx. 3 miles congestion both ways
Diversions & more info:https://t.co/rPoUron8rx pic.twitter.com/UVKavwxgVP
The BBC has reported that stranded motorists have been rescued amid what Steven Basterfield from National Highways called “significant flooding”.
An Avon Fire & Rescue spokesperson said: “Since 1am, firefighters, police and highways have been on the scene, working together to keep drivers safe and pump excess water off the motorway.”
It is understood that about 6,000 metres of water per minute is being removed from the motorway.
There are currently 45-minute delays and approximately three miles of congestion both ways, according to National Highways.
The M5 is linked with Wiltshire by the A419 and M4.
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