Delays on M5 in Devon cleared: Junction 30 reopens after A30 due to fire

After "complex" work continued throughout the night, Highways South West confirmed that all lanes had reopened on the M5 northbound, between J31 (A30) and J30 (Exeter) earlier this morning. 

Police put out a warning just before 3.15pm on Sunday to expect delays, with motorists forced to find alternative routes around Exeter.

The motorway was completely closed for the whole of Junction 30 heading northbound.

This is the first junction you come to after joining from the A30 at Junction 31 and is the one you take for Exeter Services.

Junction 30 heading south has also been closed between the exit and entry slip road, but traffic is able to rejoin.

The closure was the result of a lorry fire, which is causing smoke to blow across the carriageway.

Recovery of the lorry was expected to add to the delay.

The aftermath of the lorry fire. Picture: Highways South West

Posting a photo of the incident, the Devon and Cornwall Roads Policing Team warned at the time: "M5N completely shut at Jnc 30 Exeter due a lorry fire.

"M5S shut at Jnc 30 but traffic able to rejoin. Expect delays!

Thank you for your patience."

Highways South West also posted: "The M5 in Devon is closed northbound between J31 and J30 and southbound between J29 and J30 due to a heavy goods vehicle fire.

"Fire service are in attendance. More information to follow soon. Thank you for your patience."

An update just before 3.45pm read: "The M5 northbound remains fully closed between J31 and J30.

"Southbound is now only closed within J30 between the exit and entry slip road."

It issued a further update at 5pm to say lane three of Junction 30 northbound had been opened, but the off slip was still closed, with southbound said to be running clear.