Motorists are being warned of traffic chaos this morning as National Highways has issued multiple red notices that could see drivers stuck in traffic.
The M48 Severn Bridge in South Gloucestershire is closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) as a result of strong winds.
The closure will depend on wind speeds throughout the day, which will be monitored by National Highways via Met Office data.
Traffic is being diverted via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge and is open to all traffic. National Highways said it would update motorists on any changes to the traffic conditions.
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Drivers are dealing with traffic issues across the country this morning
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Similarly, the M20 eastbound (Coastbound) in Kent is closed between J7 Detling Interchange (Maidstone, Sheerness, Canterbury, Ramsgate A249) and J8 Hollingbourne Interchange (Lenham A20; Maidstone Services).
Roadworks were taking place on a bridge, with workers identifying a damaged bridge joint, impacting all three lanes.
National Highways reported that the bridge joint would require a full replacement before the road can be reopened for traffic.
The authority apologised for any inconvenience caused, adding that an emergency replacement was being arranged to complete the repair.
The M20 remains closed for most motorists
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
It added: “Currently we are not able to provide an estimated re-opening time for the motorway but we are advising road users to expect the road to remain closed beyond the morning peak period.”
Motorists impacted by the closure should follow the hollow circle diversion symbol and exit the M20 at Junction 7 onto the A249 Maidstone towards Bearsted Road, before turning southeast towards New Cut Road.
From here, they can turn south into New Cut Road towards the A20. Drivers should travel along the M20 to re-join the M20 at Junction 8.
The M25 in Kent is also closed, with motorists blocked from travelling clockwise between J3 (M20, Swanley) and J4 (Orpington).
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Emergency Services, including Kent Police, are in attendance at a collision, with National Highways Traffic Officers on scene assisting with traffic management.
Motorists are encouraged to follow the hollow triangle diversion sign:
- Exit the M25 clockwise at the J3 Swanley Interchange
- At the roundabout, take the fifth exit onto A20 towards London
- Continue until the A224 roundabout (Crittal’s Corner)
- At Crittal’s Corner roundabout, take the first exit onto A224 towards Orpington
- At A224 / M25 Link Hewitts Roundabout, take the first exit onto the M25 link and at the next roundabout (M25 Junction 4) take the second exit to rejoin M25 clockwise towards Gatwick
Normal traffic conditions on the M25 are not expected to resume until after 1pm
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Drivers in Northamptonshire are also being urged to check traffic conditions before travelling or even delaying their journey following a serious collision which caused a diesel spillage.
The A14 in Northamptonshire is closed westbound between J11 Cranford Interchange (Finedon, Cranford A510) and J10 Burton Latimer Junction (Rushden A6; Kettering A6003) after a collision involving multiple heavy goods vehicles.
National Highways stated: “The road is completely blocked and therefore road users caught in the closure will need to be released by being turned around from the back of the queue.
“Once our traffic officers have put the closure in place they will commence doing this. However, it will take time for all road users to be cleared from within the closure.
Traffic maps show long delays on the A14 and surrounding roads
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NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
“We thank you for your patience whilst this is done. Please await instructions from our Traffic Officers.”
Units from Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue, East Midlands Ambulance Service and National Highways are attending the collision scene and diesel spillage.
Following the hollow circle diversion symbol, drivers should:
- Exit the A14 at Junction 13 onto the A14 south/westbound
- Continue along the A45 westbound passing through the A45/B663 Raunds and A45 Stanwick roundabouts to the A45/A6 Chowns Mill roundabout
- At the roundabout, take the fourth exit (right) onto the A6 northbound
- Continue on the A6 north, passing through the A6/B5348 Station Road roundabout, and around Irthlingborough
- Continue on the A6 through Finedon, passing through the mini roundabout at the A6/A510 Wellingborough Road junction and along the A6 Burton Latimer Bypass to the A14 Junction 10 Interchange
- Re-join the A14 westbound at J10.