DRIVERS in Somerset are being urged to avoid the M5 after a 17-year-old girl tragically died in a collision last night (November 11).

The girl was on foot when she was struck by a car between junction 24 at Bridgwater and junction 25 at Taunton at around 11pm.

Avon and Somerset Police is at the scene carrying out a incident investigation and has specially trained officers supporting the girl’s family.

Both the northbound and southbound carriageways were closed following the incident and will remain closed until completion of the police investigation and any repairs and other work National Highways needs to do before the motorway can safely re-open. The road is expected to reopen at around lunchtime.

National Highways has said in a statement: “A diversion is in place between the two junctions using the parallel A38 but drivers are advised to avoid the area and delay journeys or seek alternative routes should they wish to avoid heavy congestion, especially through the rest of this morning’s peak travel period.

“Drivers should check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys.”

Live traffic information is always available at www.trafficengland.com or from National Highways’ 24-7 customer contact centre at 0300 123 5000. Updates will also be posted to @HighwaysSWest – National Highways’ regional feed on X.