M32 to remain closed ‘throughout day’ after overturned lorry and …
The M32 is set to remain closed throughout today (August 17) to allow for road resurfacing work after a overturned load spilt its load. The incident happened on the motorway near Bristol[1] this morning, shedding stones and sand onto the tarmac, as well as a significant fuel spillage.
The road is closed heading southbound between the M4 junction 19 for Bristol and the M32 junction 1 for Hambrook. A diversion route is in place[2] through the A38 to Filton[3] before rejoining the motorway.
Although recovery of the lorry has been completed, a large amount of stones and sand still needs to be cleared from the carriageway. According to National Highways, the vehicles fuel tank also ruptured during the incident, leading to a large diesel spillage.
National Highways said: "Once clear up of the debris and diesel has taken place, the carriageway will need inspecting for any damage caused by the diesel spillage. At present there is no estimate for when the carriageway will reopen."
As well as the M32 closure, the M4 junction 19 westbound exit and a section of the junction 19 roundabout have been closed. Lane three of the M32 northbound between junction 1 and the M4 is also closed due to the debris from the crash.
At the time of writing (10.50am), there are delays of around 45 minutes and approximately six miles of traffic on the westbound side of the M4 between junction 18 and junction 20 as a result of the M32 closure. For all of the latest traffic updates, follow our live blog here.[5]
References
- ^ Bristol (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ diversion route is in place (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Filton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Met Office storm warning for Bristol as 'disruption' forecast (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ live blog here. (8683210)