M5 delays on Avonmouth Bridge

Emergency repairs on the M5 near Bristol have closed lanes and caused severe delays for drivers.

Severe M5 Delays Hit Avonmouth Bridge After Emergency Repairs

Three northbound lanes on the Avonmouth Bridge between J19 Portishead and J18 Bristol are closed for emergency road surface repairs, creating long tailbacks and severe delays of over two hours. National Highways says the work is needed due to an infrastructure defect and urges drivers to allow extra time.

Inrix reports delays stretch back to J20 Clevedon as traffic backs up along the M5 northbound. The disruption highlights the strain on key routes when repairs are needed and the impact on daily commutes and local economies.

This incident shows how essential a single bridge is to the region’s mobility. When defects appear, workers, shoppers and freight feel the ripple effects. The response from authorities will shape public trust; clear updates and steady progress matter as much as speed.

If maintenance is funded consistently and communicated well, it reduces surprise and anger. For now, drivers face a routine but costly reminder that aging infrastructure demands ongoing investment and planning that matches the scale of traffic in the West of England.

Highlights

Authorities must balance speed with thorough repairs to protect everyday journeys.