Posted by A man apparently threatening suicide has forced police to close a section of the M5 near Bristol, causing huge tailbacks as the Bank Holiday traffic gears up.
All northbound lanes on the M5 Avonmouth Bridge have been closed between junctions 18a and 19, with queues reported to be stretching back to junction 20 of the M5 beyond Clevedon.
Avon & Somerset police confirmed to Bristol24-7 the incident was still ongoing at 5.30pm and urged motorists to avoid the area.
A spokesman for Avon & Somerset police said: “We are advising motorists to avoid the M5 northbound in the Bristol area following the temporary closure of the motorway. We were called to the area at 1pm and have concerns for the safety of a man on the bridge.”
Drivers told Bristol24-7 via Twitter that ambulance crews were reported to be at the scene, but no further details have been released.
Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) have said though that they had attended 16 road accidents during the day already – seven of which were in Bristol.
A GWAS spokesman said that the increased traffic and the bad weather had made conditions more dangerous and urged motorists to take extra care.
Deputy Chief Ambulance Officer Jonathan Lofthouse said: “I urge motorists to take extra care on the roads during this weather. Please stay alert and aware of the changing conditions, and leave extra space between vehicles allowing extra stopping distance.
“Please allow extra space if an ambulance crew is working at the side of the road and ensure you pass the incident at a safe distance and speed.”
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Is there any more news on this story, i have spent most of the day stuck in the horrendous traffic jams.
There was a lot of sirens to be herd around Avonmouth at 7:30, not sure what happened then? But it appears to be going both sides of the bridge now.