Prince of Wales bridge closes on day of traffic disruption across the West of England

The Prince of Wales Bridge is closed after a serious, multi-vehicle collision - earlier on the M5, a tipper truck crashed into the overhead gantry

J22-23 Prince of Wales Bridge West (Eastbound)
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 2nd Mar 2023

Across the Westcountry, commuters have been battling delays on the region's major road networks following collisions involving a lorry - and another major incident on the Prince of Wales Bridge.

As of this evening (6.30pm), the M4 between Junctions 22 and 23; M5 between junctions 17 and 18, and the M48 all see major disruption following a number of incidents over the course of today.

On the Prince of Wales Bridge, National Highways South West have confirmed a major incident tonight - following what they call a 'serious multi-vehicle collision'.

Gwent Police, the Welsh Ambulance, South West Fire and Rescue, the Air Ambulance, traffic officers and National Highways were all called out to be in attendance.

In a statement this evening, Gwent Police tell us: "We received a report of a road traffic collision on the Prince of Wales Bridge at around 4pm on Thursday 2 March.

"Officers attended, along with personnel from the Welsh Ambulance Service and the Welsh Air Ambulance.

"The collision involved multiple cars and the incident is ongoing.

"The road has been closed between junctions 23 and 22 and diversions are in place."

M5 southbound just after Cribbs - lorry crash

Witness appeal after M5 lorry collision

Today's incident on the Prince of Wales Bridge follows a number of additional incidents across the region - with the day starting with a lorry colliding with an overhead gantry on the M5.

The incident happened at just after 8am, and closed both directions of the M5 between junctions 17 and 18.

This evening, Avon and Somerset Police released an appeal for information following the incident.

In a statement, they said: "Enquiries are being carried out following a collision on the M5 near Bristol this morning (Thursday 2 March).

"We were called at approximately 8.20am after a tipper lorry collided with a overhead gantry on the southbound carriageway between junction 17 (Cribbs Causeway) and junction 18 (Avonmouth).

"We understand the lorry joined the M5 at junction 17 and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or the vehicle in the moments leading up to the incident. Dashcam footage from drivers in the area and showing the lorry would also be gratefully received.

"There were no reported injuries but the road remains closed in both directions on safety grounds while National Highways engineers have been assessing damage to the overhead gantry and the road surface.

"It is hoped that work will be completed within the next couple of hours.

"If you can help our enquiries, please call 101 and give the call-handler reference number 5223050000."

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