M4 Traffic Chaos: A Breakdown Causing a Massive Tailback
The M4 experienced significant traffic congestion on Thursday evening due to a breakdown involving a heavy goods vehicle. The incident led to the closure of one lane on the M4 between junctions 24 and 26 eastbound, specifically on the slip road towards the A449. This resulted in a substantial tailback, with Gwent Police urging drivers to seek alternative routes to avoid the area.
A police spokesperson confirmed the breakdown, stating, 'We received a report of a heavy goods vehicle breakdown on the A449 slip road from the M4 at approximately 2:25 p.m. on January 15. Officers are present to assist with traffic management and the lane closure.'
Additionally, the M4 witnessed slow traffic due to emergency repairs on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge westbound, from junction 22 M49 to junction 23 M48, with one lane closed for the duration of the work.
Traffic Updates and Further Closures
At 3:10 p.m., Taite Johnson reported queuing traffic near the M4 Usk Bridge due to the closure of the eastbound entry slip road for emergency repairs. By 3:05 p.m., the breakdown had been cleared, and all lanes were reopened on the M4 at junction 24 A449, Coldra.
Further along the M4, lane closures were implemented due to emergency repairs at junction 25A A4042. Local diversions were also put in place overnight for repair work on two sections of the M4 near Newport, specifically junctions 25A Grove Park and 25 Caerleon off-slips, which would be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
AA Traffic News reported delays of around three minutes, which were expected to increase due to the lane closures, with an average speed of 20 mph along the M4 in Newport. The A466 was closed in both directions due to a fallen tree from Bigsweir Bridge to Highbury Road, but traffic was managing well in the area.
Another section of the M4 eastbound in Newport from Grove Park to Caerleon was closed due to emergency repair works, with the M4 eastbound entry slip road at junction 25A also closed. Lane one was closed between junctions 25A and 25 eastbound for repairs.
Gwent Police's Request
Gwent Police advised drivers to avoid the area, as the lane closure may cause delays. They recommended finding alternative routes for journeys, emphasizing the importance of public safety and efficient traffic management during such incidents.
