A diversion route has been put in place after a stretch of the M5 near Thornbury has been closed since early this morning (March 31) following a crash involving a lorry.
The M5 southbound between Stroud (J13) and Thornbury (J14) has been closed since around 3.45am after a lorry hit the central reservation, causing a huge fuel spillage and forcing emergency resurfacing to take place.
National Highways has urged drivers to plan their journeys ahead after approximately 130 litres of diesel was spilt from a ruptured HGV tank. There have been reported delays of up to 90 minutes to pass the affected area via the diverted route at peak times.
Read more: M5 traffic LIVE: Motorway closed near Thornbury after lorry crash and 'fuel spillage' - updates
Motorists are being diverted via the solid circle symbol. This will take motorists along the A419, A38 and B4509 before they can then join the M5 at J14.
Traffic and travel service Inrix says: "M5 Southbound closed, slow traffic due to accident, a lorry involved and fuel spillage from J13 A419 (Stroud) to J14 B4509 (Thornbury/Falfield). The road has been closed since around 3.45am Thursday morning.
"Diversion - via the Solid Circle Symbol - Take the A419 until you reach the A38 then follow the A38 until you reach the B4509 to re-join the M5 at J14."
Highways England says: "The M5 southbound is closed between J13 and J14, near Stroud, due to a collision. A lorry has struck the central reserve and then the nearside barrier, resulting in barrier damage and a significant spill of diesel and hydraulic fluid.
"Emergency services, including Gloucestershire Police have attended. Delays are likely on the approach to this closure, with additional journey times also expected on the diversion route."
It is not yet known when the stretch of the M5 will re-open, but it is likely it will remain closed "across the day".
Follow updates on this incident in our live blog.
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