OFFICERS have closed this M5 northbound at junction 11 following a two vehicle collision during the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 6 February).

Police were called at around 2.30am with a report that one of the lorries involved had overturned crashing into the central reservation between junctions 10 and 9.

The occupants of the lorries have been assessed by paramedics and taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be serious.

Both sides of the carriageway were initially closed however the southbound side has since reopened.

The northbound carriageway is expected to be closed for a number of hours.

Drivers are being advised to plan their journeys and allow additional time as long delays are to be expected as a result of the closures.

Due to the significant barrier damage and diesel spill – which may result in the M5 needing to be resurfaced – it is likely that closures will remain in place throughout today.

National Highways is working hard with the emergency services and its contractors to reopen the M5 as soon as it is safe to do so.

Recovery has arrived on site and once the lorry has been recovered, it is hoped that two lanes on the southbound can be reopened.

National Highways inspectors will then be able to fully assess the road surface to determine whether resurfacing is required before the northbound can be safely reopened.

Fully signed diversion routes are in place for northbound traffic following the solid triangle symbol via the A40, A417 and M50 and for southbound traffic following the solid circle symbol via the A438, A38 and A40.