Heading to SWest through the M4/M5 junction?
If you are heading down to the SWest for your hols this summer, down the M5 through Gloucester and the M4/M5 interchange at Almondsbury, here's a handy tip to save you getting stuck in long tailbacks (it you hit it at the wrong time)...
- As you head south bound on the M5 past J14 and approach the Almondsbury interchange, stay in the left hand (L/H) lane for the M4 (M5 traffic will be in the 2 R/H lanes).
- Follow signs for S. Wales M4 (The R/H of 2 M4 lanes when 2 become available) and join the M4 west bound
- Trust me... 
- At M4 J21, stay on the M4 for SOUTH WALES.
- At M4 J22, exit signposted M49 AVONMOUTH and turn left at roundabout onto M49.
- At M49 J18, stay in L/H lane signposted M5 The SOUTH WEST.
- Rejoin the M5 south bound. You've (hopefully) just travelled along 2 sides of a triangle with all the traffic bumper to bumper on the 3rd side - the M5.
- Now, as you approach the Avonmouth Bridge you can either move one lane to the right for the M5 (as per gantry sign) or, if its still bumper to bumper and you've feeling
really cheeky, stay in the L/H lane signposted J19, A369, Services and Portishead.
- Continue over the bridge, staying in L/H lane and exit at J19 signposted A369, Services and Portishead.
- On approach to exit roundabout stay in middle lane of 3 (A369) but at roundabout take 3rd exit (not services or A369) and rejoin M5 south bound via on-slip.
- Ta daa. It may still be busy but you've by-passed loads of traffic and your kids will love you..!
Follow it on Google maps... but please don't pass this on to too many people otherwise it'll get just as busy.
Happy touring...