Police have said the road is expected to be closed through the morning
07:38, 19 Sep 2025Updated 07:56, 19 Sep 2025
The scene on the M5 at junction 28 this morning(Image: National Highways)
Drivers will face major disruption on the M5 in Devon this morning while the motorway is closed in both directions.
Two serious crashes took place on the same stretch of road overnight near Tiverton, causing emergency services to close the motorway in both directions while ‘extensive’ crash investigation work is completed.
National Highways said: “The M5 in Devon is closed both ways between J27 (Tiverton) and J28 ( Cullompton ) 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.”
Some motorists have reportedly been stuck in their cars for hours.
Diversion routes are in place both northbound and southbound around the closure, which is expected to remain in place through Friday morning.
M5 diversion routes
Southbound Road users are advise to follow the Solid Square diversion symbol on road signs.
Leave the M5 at J27 and take the 1st exit onto the A38.Follow the A38 to the roundabout with the B3181 at Waterloo Cross and take the 2nd exit onto the B3181 southbound.Follow the B3181 southbound through Willand and back to the M5 J28 junction at Cullompton and rejoin the M5 southbound at
Northbound Road users are advise to follow the Hollow Diamond diversion symbol on road signs.
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.
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Why has the M5 been closed overnight?
National Highways first reported a single crash at around 11pm on Thursday, September 19. The road was closed southbound and diversion routes were put in place.
The air ambulance was called to the scene, with traffic held northbound for the helicopter to land at around 12.20am this morning.
At 12.40am, National Highways reported a second serious crash within two miles of the first.
The organisation said at the time: “The M5 southbound in Devon J27 SampfordPeverell to J28 Cullompton remains closed. Two serious collisions have occurred within Two miles of each other.
“This has made dealing with traffic caught within the closure much more difficult. Plans are being made to get you clear asap.”
The central reservation was cut open to free traffic caught behind the first closure and, by around 4am, Highways said motorists started to be freed.
At 5.45am, Highways said the motorway was likely to be closed through the whole morning. It is currently unclear when the road will reopen.
In the latest update, Highways said: “The M5 in Devon is closed both ways between J27 (Tiverton) and J28 (Cullompton) 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. “