The M4 motorway between Bath and Bristol was closed this morning, Thursday 29th January, as emergency services tackle a significant lorry fire.
Traffic on the M4 westbound | Image © National Highways / Crown
The westbound carriageway was shut between J18 for Bath and J19 for M32/Bristol.
Lane 3 was reopened at around 8am, though lanes 1 and 2 remain closed.
The fire was reported to the emergency services shortly after 5.30am. The vehicle is believed to carrying paper.
In an update, Highways England said: “The incident is expected to be protracted and the carriageway is expected to remain closed for several hours today.
“Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after and are working to extinguish the fire and make the area safe.”
National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance, assisting with traffic management.
Queuing traffic at J18 (Tormarton) | Image © National Highways / Crown
Avon Fire & Rescue Service said it sent crews from its Yate, Bath and Kingswood stations, and was working alongside National Highways officers and Avon & Somerset Police.
A diversion has been put in place for motorists planning to use the M4:
Road users are advised to follow the Solid Circle diversion symbol on road signs.
- Exit the M4 at J18,
- At the roundabout take the 3rd exit on to the A46 northbound
- At Old Sodbury turn left onto the A432
- At the A432/B4059 roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the B4059
- At the 3rd roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Yate road
- At Nibley t-junction turn right onto the A432
- At the A432/A4174 roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A4174
- At the M32 roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the M32
- At the next roundabout take the 1st exit to re-join the M4 at J19
