The M5 in Somerset was closed in both directions between J25 Blackbrook Interchange (Taunton, Honiton, Yeovil, Weymouth A358) and J26 Chelston Interchange (Wellington A38) due to a police led incident.

National Highways filed the notification just after 6pm this evening (Tuesday).

UPDATE: the motorway was later re-opened, with National Highways still reporting sections of non-moving traffic (9.30pm).

Diversions were available in both directions, with inevitable delays:

Southbound (follow the route marked with a solid square symbol on local road signs)

  • Exit at J25
  • At the roundabout take the fifth exit on to the A358 Toneway
  • Continue on the A358 Toneway to the roundabout with the A3038 and A38
  • Take the first exit on to the A38
  • Follow the A38 through Taunton (turning left at the junction with A3028 on to Silver Street to remain on the A38)
  • Remain on the A38 out of Taunton
  • At Chelston Roundabout take the first exit on to the A38
  • Follow the road to J26 roundabout of the M5
  • Take the fourth exit from the roundabout to re-join the M5 southbound

Northbound (follow the route marked solid triangle symbol on local road signs)

  • Exit at J26
  • At the roundabout take the first exit on to the A38
  • At the Chelston Roundabout take the third exit to remain on the A38 towards Taunton
  • Continue on the A38 in Taunton
  • At the junction with the A3028 turn right to remain on the A38
  • Continue to the roundabout with the A3038 and A358
  • Take the third exit on to the A358 Toneway
  • Follow the A358 to J25 roundabout of the M5
  • Take the first exit from the roundabout to re-join the M5 northbound