Here’s the most recent snapshot I can provide based on current publicly available updates.
Direct answer
- There are ongoing delays on the M5 between junctions 30 and 31 due to incidents and roadworks, with typical delays ranging from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day and specific incident. Traffic crews and National Highways have been managing lane closures and recovery operations in the area.
Details and context
- A recent incident near junction 31 caused a spill and recovery work that temporarily closed or restricted lanes, leading to several miles of queueing and extended delays on the approach to Exeter. Delays were reported as about an hour at peak earlier in the incident, even after some lanes reopened [source reporting on oil spill and traffic backlog near J31].[1]
- Separate advisories in the broader region indicate that the M5 can experience significant disruption during planned roadworks, with warnings of severe delays at times when works are active between J30 and J31 or when there are incidents in the vicinity.[2][4]
- Ongoing incidents (including crashes) have caused further slowdowns and warnings of substantial delays, with typical advisories noting several miles of congestion on the approach and time losses that can vary by hour.[3]
What you can do now
- Check live traffic feeds as you plan or adjust routes: National Highways traffic cameras and live updates, or reputable local traffic outlets, will reflect current conditions and any lane closures in real time.
- If you’re traveling through this corridor today, allow extra time and consider alternative routes or timings to avoid peak congestion periods.
- For precise, up-to-the-minute status, I can look up current live feeds and summarize the latest posted advisories, including any overnight works and expected reopening times.
Would you like me to pull the very latest live status for the M5 between J30 and J31 and provide a concise, up-to-date advisory for your departure window? If you share your planned departure time and route, I can tailor the guidance and suggest possible alternatives.
Sources
Traffic on the M5 southbound near Exeter began moving again on Saturday afternoon after an oil spill at junction 31 caused major disruption and left drivers facing long queues through Devon. Two lanes were closed earlier on the carriageway, and queues stretched back for about three miles past Exeter. National Highways said delays in the area were around one hour as motorists were held up on the approach. Kent Online: M2 closed after medical emergency near Junction 3 as delays hit motoristsM6...
www.mogazmasr.comToday's M5 travel news and road conditions. Live traffic updates. Avoid delays caused by M5 lane closures and roadworks.
www.trafficdelays.co.ukTraders are "concerned" and one taxi firm is considering closing during the works.
www.bbc.co.ukEmergency services have rushed to the scene, with drivers warned to expect significant delays to their journeys.
www.express.co.ukToday's M3 traffic news. Live travel updates. Avoid delays, accidents, roadworks and M3 motorway lane closures. From UK Traffic Delays.
www.trafficdelays.co.ukDrivers in and around North Somerset will have six National Highways road closures to watch out for this week.
www.wsfp.co.ukThe M5 in Somerset was closed between junction 24 and junction 23 but has since reopened.
www.bbc.co.ukNATIONAL Highways are warning drivers to expect severe disruptions on the M5 throughout January due to planned roadworks.
www.wellington-today.co.uk