Traffic congestion has built up on the M4 this afternoon following a vehicle collision that triggered a significant response from emergency services. The incident has resulted in only one lane being open on a section of the westbound motorway near Junction 18, exacerbating the existing disruptions between Bristol and Bath caused by planned construction on the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge.
Law enforcement has arrested one individual on suspicion of a driving offense related to the crash. The driver allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot after disregarding the roadworks’ hard closure at the location. Subsequently, authorities tracked down the driver using a police helicopter.
The National Highways updates indicate that a vehicle was involved in the earlier crash on the M4 westbound between junctions J17 and J18. Normal traffic flow is anticipated to resume within the next thirty minutes.
Over the weekend, the M4 will be shut down in both directions between J18 Tormarton and J19 M32, Bristol, for the planned construction of a bridge. It is estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles per hour utilize this motorway segment during peak weekend hours. Prior to today’s incident, motorists were advised to steer clear of the area and make necessary travel arrangements.
The temporary closure of the M4 in both directions is to facilitate the installation of steel beams for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge. The closure, spanning between Bristol and Bath, commenced last night at 7 pm.
Following the midday incident near Junction 18 westbound, where the driver attempted to leave the scene on foot after breaching the hard closure for roadworks, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police stated that the driver has been arrested on suspicion of a driving offense. The driver is being transported to the hospital for further evaluation, and vehicle recovery operations are scheduled for this afternoon.
In summary, a driver has been apprehended and hospitalized following a car crash at the westbound exit of junction 18, coinciding with ongoing roadworks in the area.
