Serious crash closes M49 between M4 and M5
The M49 in Bristol is expected to be closed through the morning after a serious crash. The motorway has been closed in both directions between the M4 at the Prince of Wales bridge and the M5 in Avonmouth[1] from around 6.20am today (October 3).
Highways England said the closure is expected to be in place through the morning and has already been causing delays ahead of rush hour. Congestion extends from the Prince of Wales bridge to the Almondsbury Interchange, according to traffic monitoring software Inrix.
Drivers have been urged to take alternate routes around the crash, with some diverting via the M5 and M4 in both directions. It is currently unclear when the road will be reopened.
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called at around 5.45am today (Tuesday 3 October) following a report of a serious collision on the M49.
"The motorway has been closed from Junction 18A of the M5 to Junction 22 of the M4 and motorists are advised to seek an alternative route.
"If anyone witnessed the collision, or has dashcam footage, please contact 101 and quote reference 5223240486."
Highways England said in a post on X: "The #M49[2] in #Gloucestershire[3] is CLOSED in both directions between the #M4[4] J22 and the #M5[5] J18 (#Avonmouth[6]) due to an @aspolice[7] led incident. The closure is expected to be in place throughout the morning. Traffic is being diverted via the #M4[8]/#M5[9]."
Follow our live coverage[10] of this incident for more information.