M4 set to stay closed throughout rush hour with huge queues after serious collision

Motorists are being warned of long delays and to avoid the M4 following a serious crash which is expected to stay closed for some time and well into rush hour. The motorway is closed in both directions between junction 18 for Bath [1] and junction 19 for Bristol [2] with delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times in both directions approaching the closure points. There is congestion to halfway to J17 (Chippenham) on the eastbound side, and just past J20 (Almondsbury Interchange) on the westbound side.

The motorway is expected to remain closed for some time with police, fire, and the air ambulance all on the scene. Officers from Avon & Somerset Police, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, South West Ambulance Service and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity are all in attendance. National Highways Traffic Officers are also at scene assisting the emergency services with traffic management.

Avon and Somerset Police have warned motorists to avoid the area. They added the motorway is expected to remain closed for some time. National Highways added: "Due to the serious nature of this incident police collision investigations will be taking place, once these are complete National Highways service providers will complete clear up work.

There is currently no estimate for when the road will re-open." Arrangements are being made to release traffic caught within both closures via the rear of the queue. Due to the volume of traffic this may take some time, National Highways added.

National Highways has outlined diversion routes for drivers. Road users travelling westbound are advised to follow the below diversion, which is not symbol led:

Exit the M4 at J18 onto the A46 headed southbound and continue for approx.

3.5 miles.
At the A420/A46 junction, take the A420 headed westbound and continue for approx.

5 miles.
At the A4174/A420 junction, take the A4174 headed northbound and continue for approx.

5.5 miles to the M32 J1 roundabout.
Take the M32 northbound and re-join the M4 at J19.

Road users travelling eastbound are advised to follow the below diversion, which is not symbol led:

Exit the M4 at J19 and take the 2nd exit onto the M32 south
Exit the M32 at J1, taking the 1st exit onto the A4174, towards Kingswood
Remain on the A4174 for approximately 5 miles to the junction with the A420/Deanery Road Roundabout.
At the Deanery Road Roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A420 and continue for approximately 5 miles.
At the A420 roundabout with the A46 take the 1st exit onto the A46 north towards Stroud.
Continue on the A46 for approximately 4 miles to the M4 J18 junction and re-join

Avon and Somerset Police [5] said: "The M4 has been closed in both directions between junctions 18 (Bath [6]) and 19 (Bristol) following a serious collision. Emergency services are at the scene.

The closure is expected to remain in place for some time. Please avoid the area." National Highways added: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

For all of the latest updates from the M4, follow our live blog here.[7]

References

^ Bath (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
^ Bristol (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
^ Live: M4 closed in both directions following serious crash (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
^ M4 diversion route after serious crash closes motorway both ways near Bristol (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
^ Bath (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
^ live blog here. (www.bristolpost.co.uk)