M4 diversion route as motorway at a standstill
Drivers face severe delays on the M4 in Bristol while horses are being moved from a broken down horse box. The motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions 20 and 22, with traffic forced to take a diversion route this afternoon (April 20). Avon and Somerset Police are at the scene and traffic is at a standstill to allow the animals to be moved safely to a new vehicle[1].
In a statement on social media, National Highways said: "The #M4[2] is closed in both directions between J20 ( #M5[3] ) and J22 ( #M49[4] ) due to a broken down horsebox." According to traffic monitor Inrix, the vehicle is situated in the eastbound carriageway, but the long closure has been set up in both directions. Traffic cameras show delays continuing to grow and drivers have been advised to avoid the area and allow additional time for their journeys this afternoon.
Inrix said: "M4 in both directions closed, stationary traffic due to broken down Horsebox at J20 M5 J15 ( Almondsbury Interchange). Note change of details. Camera shows in both directions traffic is being held for a breakdown which is on the eastbound side of the motorway, to allow safe transfer of the horses into another vehicle."
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Motorists should take the following diversion routes around the closure:
Road users are advised to follow the below diversion if travelling eastbound:
- Exit the M4 at J22 and take the 2nd exit onto the M49 southbound.
- Follow the M49 southbound to the M5 J18 and at the roundabout take the 4th exit to rejoin the M5 northbound at J18A.
- Continue on the M5 northbound to J16 to rejoin the M4 eastbound and continue your journey.
Road users are advised to follow the below diversion if travelling westbound:
- Exit the M4 at J21 and bear left on to the M48
- Continue through J1
- Follow the M48 westbound across the Severn Bridge
- Continue through J2
- Continue forward on to the M4 at J23
References
- ^ traffic is at a standstill to allow the animals to be moved safely to a new vehicle (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ #M4 (twitter.com)
- ^ #M5 (twitter.com)
- ^ #M49 (twitter.com)
- ^ Bristol Live (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select 'Join Community'. (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Bristol Live (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ Privacy Notice. (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community. (chat.whatsapp.com)