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M5 delays after falling cable risk sparked closure

Dan AyersSomerset
News imageNational Highways An empty motorway with four cars on it. They are emegency vehicles responding to the power cables fault.National Highways
The M5 in Somerset has now reopened between J22 and J23

Delays remain on the M5 in Somerset after it was closed for more than an hour due to the risk that overhead electricity cables could fall into the road.

The motorway was closed between junction 22 (Burnham-on-Sea) and junction 23 (Bridgwater North). National Highways reported eight miles of queues but the road has since reopened.

National Grid said the work was "complete" and apologised for the problem. "We know this will be frustrating for people facing longer journeys in the hot weather, and are sorry for the disruption caused."

Avon and Somerset Police said there were long delays especially on the A38 in Bridgwater and Highbridge and advised "avoiding or delaying travel" if possible.

News imageNational Highways Motorway camera image of cars being sent off the motorway. There are long queues as cars and lorries make their way off the motorway with police and cones in view.National Highways
Long delays on the M5 remain in both directions around Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater

The BBC's Dean Poolman had been on the M5 for about an hour and got stuck in the queues and closure.

He said it started to get slow southbound from junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare.

"All you could see was an empty road in front of us as we queued to get off the motorway," Poolman said.

"The diversion route via the A38 is very busy and the surrounding lanes."

News imageBBC/Dean Poolman Picture from the motorway bridge of an empty road and motorway. There is blue skies in the background.BBC/Dean Poolman
All traffic was diverted onto the A38 with surrounding routes still very busy

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