Traffic has been stopped on the M4 in Bristol while horses are moved from a broken down horsebox. A backlog of congestion is growing on both the M4 and M5 while the road is closed.
National Highways said: "The #M4 is closed in both directions between J20 ( #M5 ) and J22 ( #M49 ) due to a broken down horsebox." Traffic cameras show huge delays today (April 20) at junction 20, with drivers warned of long delays.
Traffic monitor Inrix reports: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to broken down Horsebox on M4 in both directions at J20 M5 J15 (Almondsbury Interchange). Traffic cameras shows in both directions traffic is being held for a breakdown which is on the eastbound side of the motorway."
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Key Events
Traffic is easing
Traffic easing, earlier broken down horsebox on M4 Eastbound at J20 M5 J15 (Almondsbury Interchange). Previous congestion to M49 / M5 J18 Northbound.
Road has reopened after being closed to allow safe horse transfer to another vehicle.
Congestion to surrounding roads
Inrix reports: "Queueing traffic due to earlier broken down horsebox on M4 Eastbound at J20 M5 J15 ( Almondsbury Interchange). Congestion to the Prince of Wales Bridge, M49 / M5 J18 Northbound, M48 Eastbound J1 (Aust). All lanes have been re-opened. Road has reopened after being closed to allow safe horse transfer to another vehicle. Residual delays remain."
Road has reopened
Queueing traffic due to earlier broken down horsebox on M4 Eastbound at J20 M5 J15 ( Almondsbury Interchange). All lanes have been re-opened. Road has reopened after being closed to allow safe horse transfer to another vehicle. Residual delays remain.
Traffic moving westbound
M4 Eastbound closed, stationary traffic due to earlier broken down horsebox at J20 M5 J15 ( Almondsbury Interchange). The horse has been recovered into another vehicle and the traffic has been released on the Westbound carriageway. The eastbound carriageway is still closed.
Police officers at the scene
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson has confirmed officers are at the scene of a broken down vehicle on the M4. Officers were called at 12.40pm, they said.
Horses being moved
The broken down horsebox
All traffic held
Inrix reports: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to broken down Horsebox on M4 in both directions at J20 M5 J15 ( Almondsbury Interchange). Note change of details. Camera shows in both directions traffic is being held for a breakdown which is on the eastbound side of the motorway, to allow safe transfer of the horses into another vehicle."
Huge delays on motorways
