M5 and M32 RECAP: Bristol traffic chaos as motorways closed with police incident
Drivers faced disruption after incidents have closed sections of two motorways[1]. A police incident closed part of the M32 tonight and a separate crash closed a lane on the M5 near the Almondsbury Interchange, causing chaos in the Bristol[2] area. Traffic-monitoring service Inrix reported just before 5.30pm: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to police incident on M32 northbound from J3 A4320 Easton Way (St Pauls) to J2 B4058 (Eastville)."
Avon and Somerset Police[3] confirmed it was dealing with reports of "concern for the welfare of a person". The M32 outbound carriageway was closed between junction 3 and junction 2, the force said.
19:29Joe SmithDelays down to 10 minutes
National Highways said delays on the M32 southbound are down to 10 minutes against expected traffic after the motorway was reopened earlier.
19:19Joe SmithTailbacks starting to ease
Traffic maps show that the tailbacks, which half an hour ago stretched as far as the M4 junction, have now started to ease.
(google maps)19:06Joe Smith
Still 40 min delays
The National Highways traffic alert system says there are currently delays of 40 minutes against expected traffic on the M32 southbound in what it calls 'severe' congestion. There is no mention of the earlier incident on the M5.
18:59Joe SmithTraffic cameras show tailbacks
Traffic cameras on the on the M32 showed a huge queue forming near the ring road junction.
Traffic cameras show queues (National Highways)18:53KEY EVENT
M32 open but with long delays
The #M32[4] #Bristol[5] has reopened in both directions between J2-J3 following a police-led incident. @ASPolice[6] have safely resolved the incident, allowing the road to be reopened.
There are long delays in the area, particularly on the southbound heading into #Bristol pic.twitter.com/tcjBGxYlyV[7][8]
-- National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) March 4, 2026[9]18:46Joe SmithNational Highways alert
National Highways put out a post on Twitter at 6.08pm stating "The #M32#Bristol is closed in both directions between J2-J3 due to a police-led incident. "Fire, Police and Traffic Officers are on scene. Queues building in both directions.
Please expect delays"
18:45Joe SmithMap shows tailbacks
The disruption can be seen on the M32 following the police incident, meanwhile to the north some disruption near the Almondsbury interchange can be seen.
(google maps)18:38KEY EVENT
M32 closed due to 'concern for welfare'
Avon and Somerset Police said: "The M32 outbound carriageway is closed between junction 3 and junction 2 this evening (4 March) after we received reports from members of the public concerned for the welfare of a person.
"Emergency services are on the scene and motorists are advised to see an alternative route."