Delays of around 45-minutes have been reported on the M4 following a closure on the M48 Severn Bridge. Strong winds have prompted the closure by National Highways and traffic is being diverted across the Prince of Wales Bridge, causing heavier congestion than usual.
It comes after the Met Office issued a severe wind weather warning across large parts of the England, as well as all of Wales and Ireland. Gusts of around 50mph are expected on the North Somerset coastline.
National Highways said: "The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) due to strong winds. Road users are advised to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternate route.
"Our South West Regional Operations Centre are monitoring the wind speeds and will reopen the bridge as soon as the wind speeds reduce to a safe level. If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."
This is a live blog. Scroll below for updates.
Key Events
M5 crash
One lane closed and heavy traffic due to accident on M5 Northbound at J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South). Travel time is ten minutes.Lane three (of three) is closed.
M4 traffic returns to normal
Traffic returned to normal, closure of the M48 Severn Bridge on M4 Eastbound at J23A A4810 (Magor Services).
M4 delays
Queuing traffic on M4
Queueing traffic due to closure of the M48 Severn Bridge on M4 in both directions at J23A A4810 ( Magor Services). Normal morning congestion has not been helped by the bridge being closed due to strong winds.
One lane closed on M5
One lane closed due to broken down vehicle on M5 Southbound from J26 A38 (Wellington) to J27 A361 (Tiverton). Traffic is coping well.
M48 bridge closed both ways
M48 Severn Bridge in both directions closed due to strong winds between J2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow) and J1 A403 (Aust). Congestion to the M4 around Newport as drivers divert away from the closure. Traffic is coping well.Diversion - via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
Bridge to remain closed for some time
In response to a question on X about when the bridge will reopen, National Highways said it it unlikely to reopen soon.
"Hi, we're not expecting the bridge to reopen soon as wind speeds are still as high as 55mph in the area. Thanks," the reply post said.
Long delays on bridge
Inrix reports: "Long delays due to closure of the M48 Severn Bridge on M4 Eastbound at J23A A4810 ( Magor Services). Congestion to J29 (A48(M) interchange), seeing delays on the Westbound side and along the A4810. Travel time is 45 minutes. Normal morning condition not helped by the bridge being closed due to high winds."
