A large diesel spill on the M5 motorway has caused significant traffic disruptions and prompted emergency repairs, impacting motorists across Somerset. The spill, which occurred early on Thursday, February 6, involved diesel leaking from the ruptured tank of a heavy goods vehicle, covering nearly half a mile of the northbound carriageway between Junction 24 (Bridgwater South) and Junction 23 (Bridgwater North).
According to National Highways, the issue was first reported around 10:20 AM GMT, leading to immediate closures of the northern route. Traffic was at a standstill as crews worked to assess the hazardous situation. Emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police, were quick to respond. A spokesperson from National Highways explained, "The M5 northbound carriageway has been closed between junctions 24 and 23 since the incident. Lanes 2 and 3 have now reopened to traffic but with residual delays expected."
Initially, motorists faced delays of roughly 90 minutes as traffic officers and contractors struggled to contain the spill and clean the affected roadway surface using specialized chemicals. National Highways had warned earlier about the considerable risk the spill posed, particularly for motorcyclists, and the potential for severe damage to the motorway surface the longer it remained untreated.
Motorists were advised to expect long delays and were provided with alternative routes. Drivers were directed to exit the motorway at Junction 24, take the first exit onto the A38 through Bridgwater, and continue to rejoin the M5 at Junction 23. This detour was implemented to alleviate the severe congestion caused by the closure.
Despite the reopening of lanes 2 and 3, lane 1 remains closed and will require overnight resurfacing. "Overnight emergency resurfacing will be required on lane 1 and the hard shoulder," noted officials, indicating the work would commence after peak traffic hours to minimize additional disruption. This necessary repair work was confirmed after the road surface showed signs of degradation due to the spill.
The incident highlighted the potential dangers of fuel spills on major roadways, not only because of the immediate hazard they pose to drivers but also due to the longer-term impact on infrastructure. "Difficult to say how long the road will be closed; it’s an on-going incident, and inspectors are en route to assess the road surface following the spillage from a ruptured LGV fuel tank," another National Highways spokesperson mentioned to the Gazette.
Those caught up in the delays shared their frustrations online, with one user commenting, "90 minutes? I had a driver sat in the traffic since 11:40 and they are still a mile from junction 24. I makethat over 150 minutes and still have to go!" Such sentiments reflect the compounded impact of traffic management strategies during incidents.
By the afternoon, authorities had hoped to update drivers on the expected clearance time, aiming for repairs and cleanup to be completed between 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM. Nevertheless, National Highways urged drivers to plan their journeys accordingly and expected residual delays to linger as road conditions slowly returned to normal.
This incident serves as both a cautionary tale and an urgent reminder of the importance of swift emergency responses to road hazards. It also stresses the need for greater public awareness of the risks associated with heavy trucks transporting fuel and the measures taken by agencies to protect road users.
By the end of the day, the M5 will have undergone significant repair processes aimed at restoring safe travel conditions for all road users. The agency has stressed the importance of not only addressing the immediate hazards but also ensuring the future integrity of the road surface against similar incidents.