M49 Closed: Chaos on the Motorways
The M49 in South Gloucestershire has been closed in both directions following a crash this afternoon (February 20). The incident occurred near the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge around 11:30 am, causing significant disruption on the motorway.
Initially, only one lane was closed, but National Highways and Inrix reported that the entire southbound road was shut down shortly after. The road closure is in place to facilitate emergency recovery operations, with high-visibility jackets spotted on the carriageway alongside a lorry.
The M49 closure is causing delays on the M49 and M4, while the nearby M48 motorway is also experiencing delays due to high winds triggering safety restrictions on the Severn Bridge.
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16:44 Update: M48 Reopens
The M48 Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire has been reopened in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) after strong winds. National Highways advised drivers to proceed with caution and have a safe onward journey.
15:23 Update: M48 Severn Bridge Closed
National Highways announced that wind speeds will continue to be monitored throughout the day. Traffic is being diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, which remains fully open. Drivers are urged to plan their routes accordingly, allowing extra time for their journeys.
15:01 Update: M49 Traffic Easing
Traffic on the M49 is gradually returning to normal following the earlier accident on the southbound side from M4 Prince of Wales Bridge J22 to M5 J18. Congestion on the M4 Eastbound to J20 (Almondsbury Interchange) has subsided as traffic finds alternative routes.
14:09 Update: Queueing Traffic
Queueing traffic is reported on the M48 Severn Bridge Westbound between J1 A403 (Aust) and J2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow) due to emergency repairs. The Up and Over closures at J1 and J2 remain in place to address potential high winds.
13:29 Update: Traffic Chaos on Four Motorways
Two ongoing incidents are causing significant traffic chaos on four motorways near Bristol this afternoon. The crash on the M49 near the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge at 11:30 am led to the road's closure in both directions for recovery operations.
National Highways confirmed the road is closed between the M4 at junction 22 and the M5 at junction 18 near Avonmouth. The closure is necessary to ensure safety during the emergency recovery operation.
13:04 Update: M48 Severn Bridge Closed Both Ways
Inrix reported strong winds and restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge in both directions between J2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow) and J1 A403 (Aust). Drivers are advised to take the roundabout route and proceed with caution.
