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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Tomas Malloy

Why the M5 has been so bad near Bristol today

There are long delays on the M5 today (October 11) after a tanker fire, with the road set to close completely later on.

A tanker was completely destroyed after a blaze in the early hours of this morning.

The fire started just after 5am on a stretch of the motorway between junction five, for Droitwich and Wychbold, and junction 6, for Pershore Lane and Worcester.

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There have been severe delays for motorists in the area all day, with lanes closed and queueing traffic for several miles.

Drivers have been warned to expect hour-long delays as the lane closures are expected to remain in place for the rest of the day.

The route will also be completely shut for resurfacing work and recovery of the vehicle from 7.30pm this evening.

A tanker caught fire on the M5 today (West Mercia Police)

A statement from Highways England reads: "The M5 in Worcestershire has been reopened southbound between J5 Droitwich and J6 Worcester following an earlier vehicle fire.

"One of four lanes remain closed for vehicle recovery and carriageway repair.

"The lane closure will remain in place through the day in preparation for the complex recovery work and resurfacing to be completed overnight to reduce the impact through the day.

"The road will be closed from 19:30 to complete the safe recovery of the vehicle and repairs to the damaged carriageway.

"If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

"Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

The agency has shared photos of the burnt-out tanker showing the destruction to the vehicle and the road.

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