30 January — M5 traffic disruption continues across Bristol this evening after a major police-led incident forced the closure of the M5 motorway for more than five hours. Although the motorway has now reopened, long delays are still affecting city routes, public transport and road access to Bristol Airport, reports The WP Times.
The M5 was closed in both directions shortly after 12:15 GMT between junction 19 (Portishead) and junction 18, where it connects with the M49, following what police described as a sensitive incident on the Avonmouth Bridge. The closure led to extensive queues, with some motorists remaining stationary for several hours.
Police said the incident was brought to a safe conclusion at around 17:30 GMT, allowing the motorway to reopen. As of this evening, the M5 is open in both directions, but traffic remains slow-moving. National Highways warned that congestion is unlikely to clear quickly, with residual delays expected well into the evening as traffic gradually returns to the network.
Impact on flights and airport access
Flights at Bristol Airport continued to operate, but road congestion caused significant disruption for passengers travelling to and from the terminal. Airport officials advised travellers to allow at least an additional hour for journeys, warning that delays on the A38 and surrounding routes were continuing despite the reopening of the motorway. No widespread flight cancellations directly linked to the incident were reported, although late arrivals were expected due to access delays.
Traffic conditions across Bristol
As of early evening, delays of up to 60 minutes were reported on several key routes:
- M5 northbound and southbound (Avonmouth Bridge): slow-moving, stop-start traffic as queues clear
- A4 Portway: heavy congestion in both directions, particularly between Shirehampton and the Cumberland Basin
- M32 southbound: prolonged delays approaching Bristol city centre
- A38: significant disruption to and from Bristol Airport, with travellers urged to allow extra time
- A370 Long Ashton Bypass: congestion caused by diverted traffic rejoining the main road network
Airport, public transport and events
Bristol Airport reiterated advice for passengers to expect continued delays on surrounding roads this evening and to allow extra time for travel. Bus operator First Bus West of England reported widespread service delays earlier in the day, with routes serving Clifton among the worst affected. Football supporters travelling to Ashton Gate for tonight’s Championship fixture were also warned of disruption, with congestion persisting around the Cumberland Basin and Portway.
Avon and Somerset Police said the full motorway closure was required for public safety and confirmed that the sensitive nature of the incident prevented officers from providing accurate reopening times earlier in the day. The force added that welfare calls were received from stranded motorists and that officers worked with partner agencies to assist where possible. Drivers are being advised to avoid the Avonmouth Bridge area if possible, monitor live traffic updates and expect delays across Bristol well into the evening.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: Will Britain’s Nightfall ballistic missiles give Ukraine the ability to strike 500 km targets