Imagine this: a sunny afternoon in South Gloucestershire, and suddenly, chaos erupts on the M49! A crash near the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge has brought the motorway to a standstill. It's a scene of confusion and delays, with one lane initially closed, but soon, the entire southbound road is shut down.
But here's where it gets controversial... National Highways and Inrix, the traffic monitoring site, both confirm the closure, but why the discrepancy? Is it a simple oversight, or is there more to this story?
Highways cameras capture the moment, showing people in bright yellow jackets working alongside a lorry. National Highways steps in, explaining that an emergency recovery operation is underway, and safety is their top priority.
The crash closure isn't the only issue. High winds on the nearby M48 Severn Bridge trigger safety restrictions, causing further delays. It's a perfect storm of traffic woes!
And this is the part most people miss... While the M48 reopens after the winds subside, the earlier emergency repairs on the bridge leave their mark. Queueing traffic is a reminder of the impact of these incidents.
As the situation unfolds, we bring you live updates. Stay tuned, and if you're in the area, send us your safe pictures or information.
A friendly reminder: Always plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey. With multiple motorway closures, it's best to be prepared!
Traffic Update:
- M49 Southbound: Traffic is easing after an earlier accident between M4 Prince of Wales Bridge J22 and M5 J18. Congestion has improved, but delays remain.
- M48 Severn Bridge: Queueing traffic due to earlier emergency repairs. The Up and Over closures at J1 and J2 are still in place due to potential high winds.
Thoughts on the M49 Closure:
The M49 closure has sparked debates among locals. Some question the need for a full closure, while others appreciate the safety measures. What's your take on it?
Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your opinions and experiences.