West Country travel problems as M4 and train lines closed
A bad crash and flooding are to blame
Last updated 20th Oct 2023
There is serious travel disruption in the West Country this Friday (20 October), with flooding effecting train services and a major crash on the M4.
The motorway is currently closed in both directions at junction 17 for Chippenham while emergency services deal with the scene.
In a statement Wiltshire Police say they were called to the crash, between junction 17 and 18 for Bath, at around 9:10am.
A lorry and two cars were involved, with a photo online appearing to show the lorry tipped onto its side.
"Due to the nature of the collision and the vehicles involved, this closure is likely to remain in place for some time," the statement from the police reads.
Drivers are being urged to avoid the area.
In their latest update officers say they hope to reopen the westbound carriageway as soon as possible, but that the eastbound side will remain closed, "well into this evening".
Meanwhile, Great Western Railway (GWR) say they are "really sorry" that flooding is causing disruption on the train network.
Standing water in the Wootton Bassett area means all lines between Bristol Temple Meads via Bath and Swindon, and Bristol Parkway and Swindon, are blocked.
The operator says several bus companies have agreed to accept train tickets, with more details available here.
GWR add that Transport for Wales will take passengers between Newport South Wales and Gloucester in both directions until further notice and GWR tickets will be accepted.
The same applies for CrossCountry journeys between Bristol Temple Meads and Cheltenham Spa via Bristol Parkway in both directions.
Hits Radio is monitoring the situation and we will update this article with the latest information.