![\"Traffic](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_44101-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe M5 was closed in both directions in Exeter<\/p>\n
10:46, 18 May 2026Updated 15:33, 18 May 2026<\/p>\n
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Traffic on the M5.(Image: National Highways)<\/p>\n
The M5<\/a> has reopened after six hours after an incident this morning (Monday, May 18) saw the motorway having to be fully shut.<\/p>\n The incident closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 30 (Exeter<\/a>) and 31.<\/p>\n Devon and Cornwall Police<\/a> were called at around 3.50am to reports of a concern for welfare of a female<\/a>.<\/p>\n She was later found on the wrong side of the railings on a bridge over the M5<\/a>.<\/p>\n Police negotiators and officers attended as emergency services worked to get her to safety.<\/p>\n There were six diversions in place<\/a> whilst the incident was ongoing.<\/p>\n However, due to the traffic<\/a> being diverted on other nearby routes, there were delays of up to 40 minutes and four miles of congestion in either direction.<\/p>\n Traffic cameras showed queues forming and tailing back onto the A38.<\/p>\n Before 10am, the motorway reopened in both directions after the female made her way to a safe place.<\/p>\n She has been taken into the care of emergency services.<\/p>\n A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “The M5 has reopened following an incident between junction 30 (for Exeter) & 31 (for Okehampton<\/a>) this morning.<\/p>\n “We are pleased to report that a female located on the wrong side of the railings on a bridge over the M5 has made her way to a safe place and been taken into the care of the emergency services.<\/p>\n “The road has now reopened in both directions.<\/p>\n “We\u2019d like to thank motorists in the area for their patience.”<\/p>\n Heavy delays remain in the area as traffic is slowly able to move forward. Keep up with the latest updates on our live blog here<\/a>.<\/p>\n