The M4 near the Prince of Wales Bridge is closed westbound following a “serious” crash. Avon and Somerset Police are in attendance between J19 (M32/near Bristol) and J20 (M5/near Almondsbury).
Significant traffic has started to build up westbound and on surrounding roads after the crash, which was first reported at 1.34pm. The condition of those involved in the crash is not yet known.
Motorists are advised to follow the Solid Triangle diversion symbol on road signs, which will take you via the M32, A4174, A38 and M5 before either continuing on the M5 or rejoining the M4.
Many people will be travelling to England to watch the Six Nations game on Saturday afternoon, and eastbound traffic is currently unaffected. Roadworks originally planned for J26 from Saturday morning, which Traffic Wales said would cause delays, have since been postponed until Sunday.
Elsewhere, a lane was closed westbound between J33 Capel Llanilltern and J34 Miskin after a van went off the road. Police have been in attendance, with Traffic Wales warning of “heavy congestion” westbound.
J33 is the exit for Cardiff via Culverhouse Cross, and traffic also began to build up on the A4232 towards the on-slip. The lane reopened at 2.01pm, with Traffic Wales confirming: “Lane 1 has now reopened. Congestion now clear.” For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
The emergency services have been contacted for comment. Follow live updates below:
14:50Ben Summer
Queueing traffic continues
Congestion in the area continues, with traffic queueing at least halfway back towards J18. No further updates have yet been provided on the incident, which is being treated as serious.
National Highways data is currently saying normal traffic conditions are expected between 5pm and 5.15pm.
14:34Ben Summer
Diversion route
For anyone travelling west on the M4 towards Wales or the south-west of England via the Bristol area, here is the diversion National Highways is recommending:
14:22Ben Summer
Traffic backing up beyond junction 19
This image shows traffic between junctions 18 and 19, backing up from the area of the crash. National Highways is continuing to provide live updates on the serious crash.
14:14Key Event
Second crash just over the bridge in England
There has been another crash near the Prince of Wales Bridge on the M4 westbound in Gloucestershire, being described by National Highways as a “serious collision.”
More updates to follow.
14:04Ben Summer
Lane open and congestion clear
The lane closed between J33 and J34 has now reopened and congestion is clear, Traffic Wales said at 2.01pm.
13:57Ben Summer
Traffic appears to be clearing
Traffic cameras show congestion significantly clearing towards the J33 westbound approach:
13:49Ben Summer
Roadworks were cancelled earlier
A small relief for anyone worrying about travel disruption after this crash is that planned roadworks that would have started at 8am this morning were cancelled at short notice by Traffic Wales. The closure would have caused delays for rugby fans travelling eastbound. Read the full story here.
13:42Ben Summer
Where is the accident on the M4?
The accident looks to have taken place near junction 33 of the M4 westbound. That’s where the motorway meets the A4232, which heads towards Culverhouse Cross and is currently quite badly congested.
13:39Ben Summer
Police have attended
Police have been in attendance at the scene but have not yet released a statement. We have contacted them for comment.
13:28Ben Summer
Traffic moving but congestion remains
It is an hour after the incident was reported. With one lane closed, traffic is still slow-moving in the area.
13:23Ben Summer
Traffic in area and towards Culverhouse Cross
Traffic along the M4 westbound has built up, Google Maps data shows. It also continues from the westbound on-slip south towards Culverhouse Cross.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
