A significant lorry fire has caused major disruption on one of the South West's busiest motorways during the Thursday morning rush hour. The M4 is currently closed westbound between junction 18 for Bath and junction 19 for the M32 Bristol following the serious incident.
Emergency Response and Strategic Closures
National Highways has confirmed that strategic closures are now in place on the affected section of motorway following the lorry blaze. Emergency crews from Avon Fire & Rescue Service are rushing to the scene alongside officers from Avon and Somerset Police.
Traffic officers are managing the situation with coordinated closures designed to ensure public safety while emergency services work to bring the situation under control. Motorists are being urged to take extra care in the area and to expect significant delays throughout the morning commute.
Rush Hour Impact and Travel Advice
The timing of this incident could not be worse for commuters, occurring just as Thursday morning rush hour traffic begins to build. The closure affects a critical section of the M4 that serves as a major artery for traffic moving toward Bristol and beyond.
Drivers are being advised to seek alternative routes where possible and to allow additional time for their journeys. The strategic closures implemented by traffic officers are expected to remain in place until emergency services have fully dealt with the incident and made the area safe.
This remains an ongoing situation with emergency services actively working at the scene. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available about when the motorway might reopen to traffic.
