Diversion route on M4 after serious lorry crash near Bath
There are diversion routes in Somerset this morning following a serious lorry crash on the M4. The motorway is closed in both directions between junction 18 for Bath[1] and junction 17 for Chippenham. Emergency services were called at 9.10am to reports of a serious collision on the eastbound carriageway. Avon and Somerset Police[2] have since confirmed the crash involved a lorry and the motorway is set to remain closed for “some time”[3].
Motorists are now being advised to follow diversion signs to avoid the closure. Those heading eastbound should exit the M4 at junction 18 before heading for the A46 towards Bath. Follow live: M4 closed as lorry overturns in ‘serious’ crash[4]
They should then take the first exit at the A46/A420 roundabout before joining the A420 towards Chippenham. Frome here, drivers are told to join the A350 before heading for the M4. At the A350 roundabout, take the third exit before re-joining the motorway at junction 17.
Those heading westbound should follow this diversion in reverse. Avon and Somerset Police said: “Emergency services are responding to a serious collision involving a number of vehicles, including a lorry, on the M4 eastbound between junctions 18 (Bath) and 17 (Chippenham). It happened at about 9.10am this morning (Friday 20 October).
“The motorway has been closed in both directions and is expected to be shut for some time. We would advise all motorists consider an alternative route while emergency services are responding to this incident.” Elsewhere on the M4, a lane is closed on each side of the carriageway following flooding near Swindon.
There are delays building around that area. As well as disruption on the motorway, rail services are also blocked[6] between London and Bristol this morning (October 20). According to Great Western Railway, the line is flooded at Swindon.
For all of the latest updates on the M4 closure, follow our live blog here.[7]
References
- ^ Bath (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ remain closed for “some time” (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ M4 closed as lorry overturns in ‘serious’ crash (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ M4 in Somerset closed for major recovery operation (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ rail services are also blocked (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
- ^ live blog here. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)