M4 live updates as both Severn Bridges are closed to drivers as Storm Bram causes chaos
M4 Live Updates: Both Severn Bridges Closed as Storm Bram Unleashes Chaos, Drivers Face Severe Disruption
Severe weather event Storm Bram has forced the unprecedented total closure of both the Prince of Wales Bridge (M4) and the original Severn Crossing (M48). National Highways confirmed the closure just before 7:00 AM GMT this morning, citing 'extreme risk to life' due to wind speeds consistently exceeding 80 mph across the estuary.
This is a major, evolving incident causing widespread chaos across the M4 corridor, particularly affecting essential traffic flow between England and Wales. Commuters are warned to expect delays exceeding three hours in critical choke points leading into Bristol, Newport, and the surrounding areas.
Emergency services are active on the scene managing trapped traffic, but officials are urging drivers planning journeys across the border today to cancel or postpone them immediately. The Met Office has issued a rare 'Red' wind warning for coastal areas surrounding the crossing.
We are tracking the fallout of this crucial closure, providing live updates on travel times, diversion routes, and the estimated time of reopening.
Total Closure Implemented: Safety Concerns Skyrocket Amid 80 MPH Gusts
The decision to close both vital links simultaneously is extremely rare and underscores the severity of Storm Bram. The closure involves both directions of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and the M48 Severn Bridge. High wind protocols were initiated overnight, starting with restrictions for high-sided vehicles, but escalating conditions necessitated the full shutdown.
National Highways officials stated that debris, including parts of roadside signage and small trees, are being swept across the carriageways, making passage unsafe even for standard vehicles. The structural integrity of vehicles facing such lateral pressure at speed is a primary concern.
The impact is immediate and devastating for regional logistics. Delivery schedules across the Southwest and South Wales have been thrown into disarray. Businesses relying on just-in-time delivery are reporting significant losses hours into the closure.
Official Update Summary (09:30 GMT):
- M4 Prince of Wales Bridge: Closed in both directions between J22 (M49) and J23 (M48).
- M48 Severn Bridge: Closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow).
- LSI Keyword Alert: Drivers seeking alternative routes towards Gloucester or the Black Country are advised to use the M5 corridor, though significant congestion is now expected here too.
- Weather Warning: Red Warning remains in effect until at least 1:00 PM GMT.
Police in both Avon and Somerset and Gwent are actively enforcing turning-back protocols at motorway junctions well ahead of the bridges to prevent further gridlock near the closure points. Motorists who ignore advanced warning signs risk being fined or delaying recovery efforts.
A spokesperson for the Welsh Government expressed deep concern over the disruption, noting that essential workers traveling for critical shifts are facing impossible journeys. They urged employers to be flexible regarding attendance today.
The initial forecast suggests wind speeds may not drop sufficiently until mid-afternoon, meaning the morning commute, and potentially the lunchtime traffic, is entirely compromised.
The Bottleneck Effect: M4/M5 Jams and Personal Stories of Delays
The ripple effect from the Severn Bridge closures has rapidly radiated outwards, causing severe traffic disruption on connecting motorways. The M4/M5 interchange near Bristol, specifically Almondsbury, is now functioning far beyond capacity. Traffic data shows stop-start conditions extending back 15 miles on the approach to the M5 from both the East and the South.
One driver, Sarah Jennings, a key worker attempting to travel from Newport to her hospital shift in Bristol, shared her ordeal with our live news desk this morning. "I left two hours early, anticipating delays, but this is unprecedented. I've been stationary for over an hour on the M4 near Magor. My satellite navigation is trying to divert me through small country roads, which are already completely saturated with other frustrated drivers. The atmosphere is tense, and the rain is horizontal."
Sarah's story highlights the critical issue of LSI keywords: *Alternative Routes*. As drivers attempt to bypass the motorway system, secondary and tertiary roads (A48, A38) are becoming impassable, creating localized gridlock in towns such as Chepstow and Thornbury.
Severe Congestion Blackspots (10:15 GMT):
- M4 Eastbound: Heavy queues starting near J26 (Malpas), extending back towards J28 (Tredegar Park).
- M5 Northbound: Severe delays from J19 (Portishead) through to the Almondsbury interchange (J15/M4).
- M49: Now experiencing significant queuing traffic as drivers realize the M49 connection to the M4 is pointless due to the bridge closure.
- Local Roads: Reports of localized flooding combined with high winds damaging trees, causing further blockages on routes around Lydney and Caldicot.
For those still attempting to travel, authorities are strongly recommending the long-distance detour via the M5 and the M6, approaching Wales via the North, though this adds significant mileage and time to any journey between South Wales and the Southwest of England.
The closure isn't just affecting cars; numerous lorries carrying crucial supplies are parked on the motorway hard shoulders awaiting instruction, exacerbating congestion where the hard shoulder is not actively being used for emergency access.
When Will They Reopen? Met Office Forecast and Travel Guidance
The paramount question on every driver's mind is the estimated time of reopening (ETR). Unfortunately, due to the sustained strength of Storm Bram, National Highways is unable to provide a definite timeframe. Bridge engineers will only be able to perform safety checks once wind speeds have dropped below the critical threshold of 50-55 mph for a sustained period.
The current Met Office forecast suggests the peak intensity of the storm is expected between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM GMT. We are currently tracking models that show a potential easing of wind strength in the Severn Estuary area around 2:00 PM. This is the earliest point bridge inspection crews might mobilize.
Even if the winds drop at 2:00 PM, the process of safely inspecting, clearing debris, and finally reopening the bridges could take several hours. Traffic managers must ensure no damage has occurred to expansion joints or signage structures, a process that is time-consuming and requires specialized access.
Predicted Reopening Sequence (Tentative):
The priority will likely be to reopen the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge first due to its higher traffic volume capacity. The M48 may remain closed longer for more intensive checks.
- Stage 1 (Approx. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Winds drop sufficiently for inspection crews to access the structure.
- Stage 2 (Approx. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Debris clearance and structural checks completed.
- Stage 3 (After 5:00 PM): Phased reopening of the M4 Bridge (likely with initial restrictions on high-sided vehicles).
- Conclusion: Drivers should anticipate the bridges remaining closed throughout the entirety of the workday.
We strongly advise against starting any non-essential journey across the border for the remainder of the day. If travel is unavoidable, monitor official police channels and National Highways feeds constantly.
Essential Travel Guidance:
If you are already stuck in traffic, conserve fuel and ensure you have sufficient battery charge on your mobile device. Emergency contact numbers are being displayed on motorway overhead gantry signs. Do not attempt to turn around or drive the wrong way on slip roads.
This evolving situation related to Storm Bram is unprecedented in its scale of disruption to the M4 corridor. We will continue to provide M4 live updates every 15 minutes as new information regarding the status of the Severn Bridges closure becomes available.
M4 live updates as both Severn Bridges are closed to drivers as Storm Bram causes chaos
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