Resurfacing needed on M5 southbound after lorry catches fire
Footage of the lorry engulfed in smoke and flames
The M5 in Somerset has reopened northbound, and partially southbound, following a lorry fire.
The motorway had fully closed in both directions between junction 23 for Bridgwater and junction 22 for Burnham-on-Sea on the afternoon of Friday 25 October.
The vehicle has now been recovered, but delays of up to four hours are still being reported.
Trapped southbound traffic, where the lorry fire happened, is now running past the scene in lane three - but the carriageway hasn't opened up. Resurfacing work and a clean up operation is needed- so it could be a while before traffic returns to normal.
There is also heavy congestion on local roads through East Huntspill, Bridgwater and Highbridge as well as much of North Somerset including Congresbury and Yatton.
What's the diversion for the M5 closure?
Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the solid diamond diversion symbol:
Leave the M5 south at J22 and at the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A38 heading south.
Follow the A38 south through Highbridge, Huntspill, and Pawlett to Dunball and the roundabout with the A39.
Take the 1st exit onto the A39 and continue to the M5 J23 roundabout.
Take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M5 south at J23.
Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol:
Leave the M5 north at J23 and take the 1st exit onto the A39.
Continue on the A39 to the roundabout with the A38 at Dunball and take the 3rd exit onto the A38 heading north.
Follow the A38 through Pawlett, Huntspill, and Highbridge until the roundabout with the M5 J22.
Take the 3rd exit to rejoin the M5 north at J22.If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
Trapped traffic on the M5 in Somerset
Responding to the incident, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire Control received multiple calls reporting a lorry with a wheel on fire on the southbound carriageway of the M5 between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater.
"Control immediately mobilised crews from Burnham-on-Sea, Bridgwater and Cheddar and a water carrier from Bridgwater. Shortly after booking in attendance, crew confirmed that the trailer of the lorry was well alight and requested a road closure for safety measures."
At 12.35pm, a fire service spokesperson added "All goods have now been removed from the lorry bed. Breathing apparatus has now been discontinued. Crews are still at work with one hose reel jet and one main jet in for cooling lorry."
The lorry fire in pictures: