THE M5 has reopened after it was closed due to ice.

The decision was made to close the stretch of motorway between J20 for Clevedon and J18A for Bristol in both directions just after 9am this morning.

It was because of ice and the road remained closed until gritters could attend. 

While the road has reopened, there is still a heavy build up of traffic and there's a build up of traffic back to Bridgwater northbound.

A Highways England spokesman said: "Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys due to the closure of the northbound and southbound carriageways of the near Bristol this morning.

"Following three separate road traffic incidents this morning the M5 has been closed northbound since 9am between junction 21 at Weston super Mare and junction 18 at Avonmouth and  southbound between junction 18 and junction 19 (Portishead).

"Signed diversion routes are in place and drivers are expected to allow extra time for their journeys while the area is cleared.

"Drivers can check travel conditions before setting out on journeys.

"Highways England provides live traffic information via its website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps."