The M4 motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions 16 and 17 near Chippenham following a fire involving a lorry carrying hay bales. Wiltshire Police have warned that the closure is expected to remain in place for a 'considerable amount of time'.
Five crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene battling the blaze. National Highways South-West stated that due to the nature of the load, the fire will take significant effort to extinguish. Drifting smoke has also led to traffic being stopped in both directions.
Wiltshire Specialist Operations are also dealing with the incident. Traffic service Inrix reported that the M4 eastbound is closed at junction 22 due to emergency bridge repairs on the Prince of Wales crossing, adding to delays in the area.
One lane was closed eastbound between junction 24 Coldra and junction 23A Magor Services near Newport, but it reopened at 7.36 am, with traffic returning to normal by 8.30 am.
