M4 closed both ways after serious crash between Prince of Wales Bridge and M48 junctions

M4 traffic camera between J22 and J21 Credit: Traffic Cameras UK

A section of the M4 is closed this morning after a serious crash overnight (17 July).

The eastbound carriageway has been closed between junction 22 for the Prince of Wales Bridge to junction 21 for the M48.

The incident happened just after midnight and involved two vehicles.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle collision on M4 eastbound between junctions 22 (M49) and 21 (M48) at approximately 12.05am this morning (Monday 17 July).

"Officers arriving at the scene found both vehicles had left the carriageway, and a number of casualties.

"The road remains shut eastbound, with National Highways advising it'll be closed throughout the morning's rush hour.

"A diversion route is in place via the M49 and M5 while recovery work and investigation work is carried out."

What is the diversion route?

National Highways is advising drivers to leave extra time and plan ahead.

  • Drivers are being diverted via the M49 at junction 22 to M5 junction 18

  • Then join the M5 northbound at junction 18A

  • Drivers rejoin M4 eastbound at junction 16, or via the M48 Severn Bridge

  • Join the eastbound M4 at junction 21

A National Highways spokesperson said: All trapped traffic was released at 6.20am, vehicles have been recovered and Avon and Somerset Police investigations will continue until later this morning.

"Westbound traffic is unaffected and the eastbound carriageway is not expected to reopen until mid-morning at the earliest."

Updates to follow...

9:30am update - queueing traffic

The traffic monitoring site Inrix said that long delays on some of the roads: "Traffic is queuing on most roads around Chepstow as drivers try to avoid the closure.

"The westbound side of the M5 has now been reopened, but the eastbound side remains closed."