Three separate crashes prompted part of the M5 in Somerset to be closed in both directions on Tuesday.
The motorway was shut for two and a half hours due to ice on the road, as the south of England awoke to extensive frost.
The M5 was closed at about 9am northbound between junction 21, near Weston-super-Mare, and junction 18A, near Bristol, and southbound between junction 18 and junction 19, near Portishead.
A spokesperson for Highways England said the road’s closure had come after the three accidents on Tuesday morning.
The stretch of motorway was reopened at about 11.30am once gritters were able to attend the scene. The closure has caused heavy traffic and queues in the surrounding area.
Drivers were advised to check travel conditions before setting off on journeys and to allow extra time for travel before the area is cleared.
As was forecast, areas in the south of England were greeted by an extensive frost on Tuesday morning before mist and fog patches cleared for a fairly dry and bright day.
Wednesday is forecast to see another cold start, with more frost in the south of England.
