UPDATE: Delays on M5 northbound near Taunton

UPDATE: 14.45pm: ALL LANES REOPENED 

Motorists travelling on the M5 northbound this afternoon are facing delays following a collision that occurred early today between junctions 25 and 24 near Taunton.

The incident, which involved a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) striking a bridge parapet, has prompted authorities to close the motorway as emergency services work to manage the aftermath.

The collision took place around 6.30am, resulting in the closure of all lanes on the northbound carriageway. 

A spokesperson from National Highways provided an update at 1.25pm, stating: “Currently, lanes 1 and 2 remain closed to facilitate recovery operations. Once the HGV has been successfully recovered, we will aim to reopen lane 2, though a timeframe for this remains uncertain. Following the recovery, we will conduct further inspections of the bridge to assess any structural damage. Additionally, repairs are needed for a significant stretch of damaged safety barrier and to clear an oil spill.”

North Devon drivers intending to travel north on the M5 are particularly affected and are advised to plan alternative routes or allow for extended travel times. 

For real-time updates and information regarding the ongoing situation on the M5 northbound, motorists are encouraged to monitor National Highways' Southwest Twitter account (@HighwaysSWEST).