M4 traffic: Several vehicles in collision - and one catches fire - with long delays reported
A major motorway has seen a large crash - with one vehicle catching fire.
There are long delays on the M4 between Swindon and Chippenham.
National Highways said that there has been a “multiple vehicle collision and vehicle fire” between Junction 17 and Junction 16, which happened at about 2.15pm.
At first, on the eastbound side traffic could only get round the collision site on the hard shoulder, and on the westbound side, the outside and middle lanes were shut. At that point there were delays of about 90 minutes in both directions.
Now, the westbound side is open again, and just the outside lane of the eastbound carriageway is shut, as it needs resurfacing.
National Highways said: “Specialist contractors attended the scene and have confirmed that resurfacing works are required and will be completed as soon as possible with no times for completion at this stage.”
It has warned that the delays are now up to two hours on the approach with about eight miles of queuing traffic, which stretches back to Chippenham, Junction 17.
To find out more see www.trafficengland.com or call 0300 123 5000.