Emergency repairs on M4 after lorry crash closes motorway

The M4 will be closed for the foreseeable future as emergency repairs are carried out after a lorry crash. The incident, which was first reported at around 9.10am today (October 20), led to a road closure on both sides of the motorway between junctions 18 and 17. Emergency services said the crash involved two cars and a lorry, with the latter overturning.

Motorists have faced delays throughout the day with diversions also set up, although these have also been busy as people look to avoid the crash area. An update from National Highways said one lane on the Wales-bound M4 had reopened, with long queues still tailing back on the carriageway. However, it added there was no indication when the London-bound side would reopen as resurfacing work was required.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, a National Highways spokesperson said: “The westbound carriageway has been REOPENED with lanes 2 and 3 of (3) remaining closed at this time. The eastbound carriageway remain CLOSED with no times for the reopening at this stage due to resurfacing works at the scene.”

Police statement

Wiltshire Police’s latest update on Facebook added: “One lane westbound between junction 17 for Chippenham and 18 for Bath has now reopened following the collision this morning. “The eastbound carriageway remains fully closed.

There are still lengthy delays in the area so please plan your journeys ahead of time if you are travelling this evening.

“We will issue further updates when appropriate.

Thank you.”