An incident on the M4 motorway in Swansea caused significant delays for commuters this morning, with live updates reporting on the situation. The delays stemmed from two separate accidents, one on the eastbound carriageway at junction 47 Swansea West Services and another near Margam involving two cars just after junction 38. The first accident blocked the road temporarily but has since been cleared, although delays of up to an hour still persist, with congestion stretching back to J48 Llanelli. The incident near Margam has resulted in the closure of one lane.
In addition to the accidents, emergency repairs to potholes on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge have led to its closure in the eastbound direction. This closure has necessitated the closure of the eastbound carriageway for repairs, with one lane also closed on the westbound side. The situation has caused disruption and queues for motorists travelling in both directions on the bridge.
Traffic monitoring system Inrix provided updates on the incidents at 9:25 am, outlining the extent of the delays and closures on the M4. The eastbound carriageway experienced severe delays from J48 Hendy to J47 Swansea West Services earlier due to the first accident, with congestion affecting surrounding routes. The road closure led to travel times of up to 60 minutes for commuters heading towards Bridgend.
On the westbound side after junction 38, two lanes were closed following the second accident, resulting in traffic passing on the hard shoulder. Meanwhile, the closure of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge in the eastbound direction for emergency pothole repairs has caused queueing traffic, with a diversion in place via the M48 Severn Bridge. The closure has also impacted the westbound carriageway with one lane shut for repairs.
The incidents on the M4 have prompted a significant response from emergency services and traffic management teams to address the issues and ensure the safety of road users. Motorists have been advised to seek alternative routes where possible and to allow for extra travel time due to the ongoing delays and closures on the motorway.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for continuous maintenance and monitoring of infrastructure to prevent such disruptions. Authorities continue to work towards resolving the situation and reopening the affected lanes on the M4 to restore normal traffic flow. Commuters are urged to stay informed about the latest updates and to follow advised diversions until the issues are fully resolved.
The M4 incidents highlight the challenges faced by commuters and the critical role of timely response and coordination in managing such situations effectively. As the repairs and clearance operations progress, authorities aim to minimise inconvenience for travellers and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the motorway. Stay tuned for further updates on the M4 situation and plan your journeys accordingly to avoid disruptions caused by the ongoing incidents on the motorway.