Travel chaos has erupted on one of the UK's busiest motorways following a serious collision, with major knock-on effects for air passengers. A crash on the M4 has brought traffic to a complete halt, prompting urgent warnings for those travelling to Bristol Airport.
Where and When the Incident Occurred
Emergency services were called to the M4 eastbound between Junctions 20 and 19 at approximately 11.30am today. The incident has caused a massive backlog, with all traffic stopped on a large stretch of the motorway. The standstill extends from junction 20, which connects with the M5, through the key Almondsbury Interchange at junction 15, and on to junction 19 for the M32 turn-off into Bristol.
Official Warnings for Travellers
In response to the severe disruption, a National Highways spokesperson issued direct advice to the public. They stated, “If you're using Bristol Airport this afternoon, please allow plenty of journey time.” This official guidance highlights the significant impact the motorway closure is having on airport access, with long queues expected to persist for much of the afternoon.
Wider Impact and Travel Advice
The collision has created a ripple effect across the local and regional road network. Drivers are facing extensive delays, and the situation is particularly critical for anyone with flights to catch from Bristol Airport. Authorities are urging all motorists to consider the following:
- Avoid the affected area if possible.
- Check live traffic updates before setting out on your journey.
- Allow for substantial extra travel time to reach the airport.
The full cause of the collision and the timeline for fully reopening the motorway are not yet known as emergency services work at the scene.
