M4 emergency repairs after serious lorry crash near Bristol
Emergency repairs on the M4 are set to keep part of the motorway closed for the foreseeable future after a serious lorry crash. There have been long delays on the road near Bristol following the incident involving two cars and a lorry – with the latter overturning – between junctions 18 (Bath[1]) and 17 (Chippenham) at around 9.10am today (October 20).
The road was closed in both directions with drivers facing huge traffic delays. Motorists were warned that the motorway would remain shut for a number of hours while investigation work was carried out.[2]
In an update this evening, National Highways[3] has confirmed the westbound carriageway has reopened with lanes one and two remaining shut. It says the eastbound carriageway remains shut with no confirmed time of reopening due to resurfacing works.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter[4], a National Highways spokesperson said: “The westbound carriageway has been REOPENED with lanes 2 and 3 of (3) remaining closed at this time. The eastbound carriageway remain CLOSED with no times for the reopening at this stage due to resurfacing works at the scene.”
Police statement
Wiltshire Police’s latest update on Facebook[5] added: “One lane westbound between junction 17 for Chippenham and 18 for Bath has now reopened following the collision this morning.
“The eastbound carriageway remains fully closed. There are still lengthy delays in the area so please plan your journeys ahead of time if you are travelling this evening.
“We will issue further updates when appropriate. Thank you.”
Keep up to date with all of the latest on this incident here[6].