M4 into South West closed after serious crash

A main route into the South West remained closed this morning with diversions in place following a serious road crash. The M4 is closed westbound between Bristol and Swindon more than 12 hours after a serious collision yesterday evening which is understood to have involved a car and van and left several people needing hospital treatment. The motorway was this morning closed between Junction 16, near Swindon, and Junction 17, near Chippenham. Following the crash, which occurred at about 8.05pm on Saturday, traffic was held on the eastbound carriageway to allow two air ambulances to attend the scene. Traffic was released shortly after 10.30pm. Wiltshire Police, the ambulance service, fire service and National Highways Traffic Officers were all in attendance. Wiltshire Police is carrying out complex investigation works, and therefore the carriageway is expected to remain closed for a considerable time. The AA said this morning: “Road closed due to crash investigation work on M4 westbound from J16 A3102 Swindon Road (Swindon West) to J17 A350 (Chippenham). “The closure is expected to remain in place for some time following a serious accident. Detour in operation.” National Highways said road users are advised to follow the solid diamond diversion symbol on road signs: Vehicles under 4.2m are advised to follow the below diversion Exit the M4 westbound at J16 and on the slip road keep left, continuing straight at the traffic lights to join the A3102 towards Royal Wootton Bassett. Remain on the A1302 for about two miles to the roundabout with the B4042 at Royal Wootton Basset. Take the second exit to join the B4042 and continue for about nine miles, passing The Common and Brinkworth, to reach the Priory Roundabout with the A429. Take the first exit onto the A429 and continue for about five miles to reach J17 of the M4 and continue your journey. Vehicles 4.2m and taller are advised to follow the below diversion Exit the M4 westbound at J16 and on the slip road keep left, continuing straight at the traffic lights to join the A3102 towards Royal Wootton Bassett. Remain on the A1302 for about two miles to the roundabout with the B4042 at Royal Wootton Basset. Take the first exit to continue on the A3102. Remain on the A3102 for 11 miles, passing through Church End and Hilmarton, to reach the roundabout with the A4 at Calne. Take the third exit onto the A4 and continue for ab out seven miles to the Chequers Roundabout at Chippenham. Take the third exit onto the A350 northbound at the Chequers Roundabout and continue for five miles to J17 of the M4 and continue your journey. National Highways said that if this closure impacts on your planned route, allow extra journey time. A spokesperson said: “Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.” Further information is available from National Highways via its regional X feed. Its 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000. Want the latest Gloucestershire breaking news and top stories first? Get all the latest stories, sent straight to your WhatsApp - all you need to do is click the link here . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .