M49 Closed: Chaos on Motorways Near Bristol
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 to facilitate the recovery operation. The road closure is between the M4 at junction 22 and the M5 at junction 18 near Avonmouth.
Highways cameras captured workers in high-visibility jackets near a lorry, indicating an emergency recovery operation. The closure is necessary to ensure safety during the recovery process.
This crash 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 - M48 Reopens
National Highways announced that the M48 Severn Bridge has reopened in both directions between junctions 1 and 2 after strong winds.
15:23 - M48 Severn Bridge Closed
National Highways advised that wind speeds would be monitored throughout the day. Traffic is being diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, which is fully open. They recommended allowing extra journey time and considering alternative routes or delaying travel if necessary.
15:01 - M49 Traffic Easing
Traffic on the M49 is gradually returning to normal after the earlier accident from junction 22 to junction 18. Congestion on the M4 eastbound to junction 20 (Almondsbury Interchange) has subsided as drivers seek alternative routes.
14:09 - Queueing Traffic
Queueing traffic is reported on the M48 Severn Bridge westbound between junctions 1 and 2 due to emergency repairs. The 'Up and Over' closures at these junctions remain in place to prevent potential high winds.
13:29 - Traffic Chaos on Four Motorways
Two ongoing incidents are causing significant traffic chaos on four motorways near Bristol. 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 closure of the M49 southbound between junctions 22 and 18 near Avonmouth. The road is closed to ensure safety during the emergency recovery operation.
13:04 - M48 Severn Bridge Closed Both Ways
Inrix reported strong winds and restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge in both directions between junctions 2 and 1. Drivers are advised to exit at junction 2 eastbound or junction 1 westbound, navigate around the roundabouts, and re-enter the bridge, which remains open.
