The incident was reported between Junction 18, the A46 Bath/Tormarton junction, and Junction 17, the A350 Chippenham junction. According to traffic monitoring service Inrix, lanes one and two of the three-lane carriageway were closed following the collision, while debris was also reported on the road.
The lane restrictions contributed to queuing traffic, prompting warnings for drivers to allow additional time for their journeys and approach the affected stretch with caution.
The full circumstances of the collision, including whether anyone was injured, were not immediately available in the initial reports.
Second M4 Collision Adds to Morning Congestion
The crash near Bath was the second reported collision affecting the M4 eastbound that morning, adding to disruption for commuters travelling through the Bristol area.
An earlier incident was reported between Junction 20, at the M5 interchange near Almondsbury, and Junction 19, where the M32 branches off towards Bristol.
Inrix reported that the earlier collision resulted in one lane being closed, with congestion extending towards Junction 22 at the M49 interchange. Journey times through the affected section were reported to have reached approximately 40 minutes.
The two incidents created additional challenges for motorists travelling along one of the region’s principal motorway routes.
Meanwhile, Google Maps indicated slow-moving traffic across parts of Bristol during the morning, suggesting that road users could encounter further delays on connecting routes.
Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution
Motorists approaching the affected sections of the M4 were advised to remain alert, observe overhead motorway signals and follow instructions displayed on roadside signs.
Drivers were also encouraged to merge safely where directed, maintain a suitable following distance and avoid sudden lane changes as traffic slowed near the collision sites.
Those planning journeys through the area were advised to check live traffic information before departure and consider alternative routes where appropriate.
Cause of Crash and Clearance Time Unknown
Initial traffic reports did not establish the cause of the lorry collision near Bath. Information about possible injuries, the extent of the damage and the expected duration of the lane closures was also unavailable.
It was not immediately clear when all lanes would reopen or how long the resulting queues would take to clear.
Motorists were therefore advised to monitor updates from National Highways and traffic information services before travelling through the affected sections.
Further Updates Awaited
The incidents underline how collisions on busy motorway corridors can quickly disrupt journeys across the wider regional road network.
Drivers using the M4 between Bristol, Bath and surrounding communities were urged to plan ahead, remain patient and follow official traffic instructions while the situation developed.
This is a developing traffic report. Details concerning injuries, lane reopening times and the full circumstances of the collisions should be confirmed through official updates as they become available.
