National Highways said that emergency repairs on the M5 northbound Avonmouth Bridge are due to a “structural defect.”

Earlier today, two of the four lanes were initially closed, before being increased to three closures to allow for urgent resurfacing works.

Only one lane remains open between Junctions 19 (Portishead) and 18 (Bristol), causing severe delays of over three hours and more 14.5 miles of congestion, with queues stretching as far back as Junction 21 (Weston-super-Mare). 

The closures will be in place until the evening, National Highways said.Â