Highways England are warning of long delays on the roads in the West following two separate and serious crashes on the same stretch of the M4 between Bristol and Chippenham overnight.
The motorway was closed just before 2am today (Thursday, September 24) following two serious crashes that happened in quick succession on the stretch between junction 18 for Bath and junction 17 for Chippenham.
Highways England and local police have warned people to expect long delays because collision investigators are examining the scene.
There is no word yet on casualties in either crash, but reports suggest one vehicle involved overturned.
For drivers during the morning rush hour, diversions are in place between junction 17 and 18.
Traffic is being diverted off the motorway and both junctions and sent on a southerly route. For traffic heading west towards Bristol, the diversions are taking motorists south on the A350 into Chippenham, around the town's bypass, and then off west along the A420 towards Bristol, before turning north again up the A46 near Bath, to rejoin at junction 18.
Traffic heading east is taking the same route, but in the other direction.
Already there are long delays for traffic exiting the motorway at either end, and the winding A420 route through the Wiltshire Cotswolds through the villages of Marshfield, The Shoe and Giddeahall is slow-going, and expected to get slower as the morning rush hour begins.
"The road is expected to be closed for some time and drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible and find alternative routes," said a spokesperson for Highways England.
"Delays are likely on the approach to the closure, with additional journey times also expected on diversion routes. Drivers are advised to check before they travel and to allow extra time for their journeys if travelling in the area, or to consider alternative routes."
You can follow the latest updates on this ongoing incident with our blog here.
