A MAJOR motorway has been forced to close due to “emergency roadworks” and flooding in the aftermath of Storm Chandra.
Motorists travelling on the M5 near Exeter, Devon, have been warned of severe delays this morning after yesterday.
The region has suffered from widespread flooding in the wake of Storm ChandraCredit: SWNS
The busy stretch between Junction 28, for Cullompton, and Junction 29, for Exeter, was initially closed after a crash just before 8pm last night.
Emergency crews were scrambled to the southbound carriageway in order to repair the road following the collision.
It remained closed throughout the night as investigations into the smash continued.
But National Highways confirmed the route was still shut this morning – with flooding sparking chaos in the region.
Rush-hour commuters have since been urged to plan ahead or follow the diversion currently in place.
Diverted traffic is being advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs.
The service said: “The M5 is closed southbound between J28 and J29 due to severe flooding affecting all lanes of the carriageway.
“Specialist contractors have been working throughout the night to investigate the cause of the flooding and reopen the carriageway as soon as it is safe.
“Contractors have advised that further investigation work is required, with the road remaining closed at this stage.
“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.”
Southbound diversion
Southbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M5 southbound at J28 and turn right at the traffic light controlled junction to join the A373
- At the roundabout, head straight over and join the B3181 (Station Road)
- Continue southbound on the B3181, passing through Cullompton, Westcott, Budlake (running parallel to the M5) and Broadclyst until the junction with Cumberland Way
- Join Cumberland Way southbound and then at the next roundabout continue straight over onto Moor Lane
- Continue southbound to then re-join the M5 at J30
Brits were hit with road closures and cancelled flights yesterday after record-breaking downpours left swathes of the country underwater.
Locals in the south-west are braced for further downpours tomorrow after the Met Office issued a yellow warning for rain.
The forecaster warned of the “danger to life” risks due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater in the region.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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M5 Motorway closed due to Storm Chandra flooding causing major delaysCredit: X
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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