M5 Closes Between Taunton and Bridgwater After Two Vehicle Crash

A two-vehicle collision forced the closure of the M5 in both directions between Taunton and Bridgwater in Somerset on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, prompting an emergency response and significant traffic disruption. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that one person was taken to hospital by ambulance, while another person was receiving treatment at the scene.

National Highways identified the affected section as the stretch between Junction 25, Taunton, and Junction 24, Bridgwater South. Emergency crews, including police, ambulance personnel, fire services, and an air ambulance team, attended the incident.

National Highways warned motorists of delays reaching approximately 30 minutes in both directions. Traffic monitoring updates also indicated queues extending for around two miles, while surrounding roads experienced heavy congestion.

According to traffic monitoring service Inrix, vehicles were initially held on both carriageways as emergency services dealt with the collision.

"All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M5 in both directions from J25 A358 (Taunton) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South)."

Avon and Somerset Police said the closure was necessary following the two-vehicle collision and confirmed that medical assistance was being provided to those involved.

"One person has been taken to hospital by land ambulance and one person is being treated at the scene at this time."

The incident left motorists stranded on the motorway, with some drivers getting out of their vehicles while waiting for traffic to move. Reports from motorists also highlighted severe congestion on nearby roads.

One driver described the northbound approach to Taunton as gridlocked, while another reported heavy traffic between North Petherton and Bridgwater.

"M5 north Taunton can’t even get on absolute gridlocked."

The congestion also affected drivers attempting to reach Bridgwater through surrounding communities, adding pressure to roads used by diverted traffic.

"North Petherton already grid locked towards Bridgwater."

Another motorist reported being stationary for an extended period, with emergency vehicles passing along the hard shoulder.

"Also stuck in this for the last 25 mins engine off, two ambulances and one police car gone up hard shoulder."

National Highways advised northbound drivers to leave the motorway at Junction 25 and follow a diversion using the A358 Toneway towards Taunton. Drivers should continue to the A38 junction, turn onto Bridgwater Road, and follow the A38 northbound towards Bridgwater.

At Sedgemoor Roundabout, motorists should take the fourth exit onto the A38 link road towards Junction 24, then use the first exit at the next roundabout to rejoin the M5 northbound.

As the response continued, Inrix reported a change in traffic conditions, with the southbound carriageway reopening while the northbound section remained closed.

"M5 Northbound blocked, queueing traffic due to accident from J25 A358 (Taunton) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South). The southbound carriageway has now reopened, with northbound still closed."

Avon and Somerset Police, South West Ambulance Service, Somerset and Devon Fire & Rescue, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and National Highways traffic officers were among the emergency services and personnel attending the incident.