Multi-Vehicle Collision Brings M5 Traffic to a Halt in Gloucestershire
A significant multi-vehicle crash on the M5 motorway caused severe disruptions during the afternoon of Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The incident occurred on the northbound stretch between junctions 12 and 11A in Gloucestershire, leading to extensive traffic delays and emergency service responses.
Emergency Services Respond to Major Motorway Incident
National Highways South West reported that the collision involved multiple vehicles, prompting traffic officers and Gloucestershire Police to close lanes temporarily. Drivers faced delays of up to 45 minutes as crews worked diligently to clear the scene, remove debris, and ensure safety for all motorists. Pictures from the location revealed substantial tailbacks, highlighting the impact on commuters and travelers.
Traffic Updates and Lane Reopenings
By approximately 4:10 PM, authorities provided an update confirming that all vehicles involved had been moved to the hard shoulder. Subsequently, all lanes were reopened, allowing traffic to flow normally past the incident site. Despite this resolution, the traffic monitoring site Inrix had earlier warned of 'severe' delays due to the collision, underscoring the initial chaos and congestion.
Key details from the incident include:
- Location: M5 northbound between J12 (Quedgeley) and J11A (Gloucester).
- Time: Afternoon of Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
- Impact: Delays of up to 45 minutes and temporary lane closures.
- Resolution: All lanes reopened by late afternoon after vehicle clearance.
This event serves as a reminder of the potential for sudden disruptions on major motorways and the importance of emergency preparedness. Motorists are advised to stay informed through official channels like National Highways for real-time updates during such incidents.
