Motorists on the M5 face long delays during rush-hour this morning following a serious car crash.
Part of the motorway is closed in both directions between junction 27 for Tiverton and junction 28 for Collumpton, both in Devon. The crash happened on the southbound side, where traffic is back to junction 25 for Taunton, Somerset.
Queues northbound are back to junction 29, the A30 link at Exeter. Diversions are in place for both northbound and southbound drivers, though these will add significant time onto journeys this morning.
Emergency services, including Devon and Cornwall Police, are at the scene of the smash. It is likely this stretch of road will be closed for most of the day, the National Highways says.
For live updates on the M5 traffic, follow our live blog below…
National Highways said the M5 in Devon remains closed both ways between J27 in Sampford Peverell to J28 Cullompton following two separate collisions.
Police are continuing their investigations.
The M5 in Devon (J27 Sampford Peverell to J28 Cullompton) remains closed both ways amid a police investigation.
Devon and Cornwall Police advised both carriageways will remain closed most of the morning due to extensive investigations, said National Highways: South West.
The #M5 in #Devon J27 #SampfordPeverell to J28 #Cullompton remains closed both ways.@DC_Police have advised both carriageways will remain closed most of the morning due to extensive investigations. pic.twitter.com/mda0m4FfDB
People are being asked to allow for extra time if the closure impacts your planned journey route.
National Highways added: "Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.."
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting the www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional twitter feed.
Its 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
Yesterday, motorists on the A12 in Essex were left stranded for over five hours following another serious crash.
The A-road was closed overnight between Junction 15 for Margaretting and Junction 16 for Chelmsford following a serious collision. Emergency services, including Essex Police, were at the scene and carried out a thorough investigation.
National Highways contractors assisted with traffic management and diversion routes there.
With the M5 still closed, traffic is heavy on local roads through mid Devon.
The villages of Willand and Sampford Peverell are congested with northbound traffic, while the Waterloo Cross area is also slow this morning.
But drivers should still follow the diversion advised by the National Highways.
Specialist contractors will cut the central reservation barrier to free the traffic caught behind the first incident, the National Highways has confirmed.
It is unclear how many vehicles are involved in each crash.
Queues are starting to back up on both sides of the motorway.
Northbound Road users are advised to follow the Hollow Diamond diversion symbol on road signs, the National Highways says
Exit M5 at J28 (Cullompton).
At the roundabout, join the B3181 northbound towards Willand.
Continue on the B3181 through Willand and towards Sampford Peverell.
At the junction with the A361, follow signs for Tiverton/Barnstaple.
Use the A361 link road to rejoin the M5 northbound at J27.
National Highways says;
Southbound road users are advised to follow the Solid Square diversion symbol on road signs.
The M5 in Devon is closed both ways between J27 and J28 due to a serious road traffic collision.
The M5 in Devon is closed both ways between J27 and J28 due to a serious road traffic collision. Devon & Cornwall Police and emergency services are currently in attendance.
Two secondary incidents in the queue for the original incident have occurred meaning the road will likely remain closed for some time.
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