A serious crash forced the closure of a section of the M5 motorway for nearly four hours on Sunday morning, causing significant disruption for drivers.
Road Closed for Investigation
The incident occurred just before 6am on Sunday, November 23. A single vehicle was involved in a collision and reportedly left the carriageway on the M5 northbound between Junction 14 for Falfield and Junction 13 for Stroud.
Emergency services, including Gloucestershire Police and National Highways Traffic Officers, were quickly on the scene to manage the situation and begin their investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Travel Chaos and Official Warnings
The closure led to building traffic congestion throughout the morning. National Highways advised motorists to allow extra time for their journeys, consider re-routing, or even delaying their travel plans altogether.
The agency first alerted the public to the M5 closure at 5.44am via social media, describing it as a 'serious collision'.
Road Reopens After Nearly Four Hours
The affected stretch of motorway remained shut for almost the entire morning. It was finally reopened at approximately 9.50am.
National Highways confirmed the reopening in an update on X at 9.51am, thanking drivers for their patience and wishing them a safe onward journey. The nearly four-hour M5 closure underscored the severe impact a single-vehicle incident can have on major transport routes.
