Devon's Travel Nightmare: Storm Chandra Unleashes Chaos on M5 Motorway
Storm Chandra has brought travel in Devon to a grinding halt, with the M5 motorway bearing the brunt of its fury. But here's where it gets even more frustrating: it's not just the M5 that's affected. The entire region's transport network is feeling the strain, leaving drivers facing a labyrinth of delays and detours.
The M5 Shutdown:
The southbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 28 (Cullompton) and 29 (Exeter) remains completely closed due to severe flooding. This closure, initially caused by a single-vehicle accident last night, has been exacerbated by Storm Chandra's relentless downpour. National Highways teams are battling a drainage issue, with lanes 1 and 2 shut for safety while investigations continue.
And this is the part most people miss: While the accident has been cleared, the real culprit is the floodwater, which has rendered the road impassable.
Ripple Effect:
The M5 closure has sent shockwaves through Devon's road network. The A30, a key east-west artery, is also suffering from flooding, with sections closed near Ottery St Mary and Exeter Airport. Stranded vehicles and ongoing recovery efforts further complicate the situation. Local roads around Cullompton, Exeter, and surrounding villages are choked with diverted traffic, putting immense pressure on rural and residential routes.
Travel Advice:
- Plan Ahead: Allow for significant extra travel time, and consider rerouting or delaying your journey altogether if possible.
- Diversion Route: Southbound traffic is being diverted via the A373, B3181, Cumberland Way, and Moor Lane before rejoining the M5 at junction 30. Follow the solid triangle diversion symbols on road signs.
- Live Updates: Stay informed with the latest updates from National Highways via their website (www.trafficengland.com), travel apps, or regional X feed. Their 24/7 contact centre is also available on 0300 123 5000.
The Bigger Picture:
Storm Chandra's impact extends beyond the M5. The Met Office warns of further heavy rain, potentially leading to more flooding and disruption. This raises questions about the resilience of our infrastructure in the face of increasingly extreme weather events. Is enough being done to future-proof our roads against such storms?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. How has Storm Chandra affected your travel plans? Do you think more needs to be done to prepare for extreme weather events?
