M49 traffic: Chaos on key motorway after serious 'three-vehicle collision' sparks closure

The M49 remains closed, according to the National Highways. This is due to an ongoing police investigation following the serious three-vehicle crash earlier today.

There has been no further update from the Nationial Highway or Avon and Somerset Police, who said that the road would be shut "for some time".

Thank you for joining us for the latest updates on the M49 closure.

Avon and Somerset Police have issued a plea for help in the investigation into the serious three-vehicle crash this afternoon on the M49.

In a statement, the police said: "If you saw what happened or have any dashcam footage we’d like to hear from you.

"Please call 101 and give the log number 724 of 30 August."

The police have issued an update on the three-vehicle collision on the M49 today. They confirmed that two lorries and a car were involved in the crash, which led to three people being hospitalised. 

It warned drivers to expect the road to be closed "for some time". 

The statement from Avon and Somerset Police read: "The M49 is closed in both directions following a serious injury collision near Hallen.

"Emergency services were called just after 4pm on Friday 30 August to a collision involving two lorries and a car.

"Three casualties are going to hospital.

"The road is expected to remain closed for some time for collision investigation and pending recovery of the vehicles."

A photograph from UK Traffic Cameras show long queues around the M49 while another shows a completely empty motorway after authorities cleared the road near the crash.

Roads and traffic monitoring site Inrix said: "M49 in both directions closed, stationary traffic due to multi-vehicle accident from M5 J18 to M4 J22. Held around 16:35."

It also warned of delays on the M5 and M4 southbound due to holiday traffic. It said: "Long delays due to holiday traffic on M5 Avonmouth Bridge Southbound at J19 A369 (Portishead). Congestion to J15 (M4 interchange).Traffic in patches."

It also reports: "Long delays due to holiday traffic on M4 Westbound at J20 M5 J15 (Almondsbury Interchange). Congestion to before J19 (M32 / Bristol)."

National Highways has warned of "long delays" on the M49. Instead, they are urging drivers to take the diversion routes listed below: 

Northbound 

Southbound

The M49 motorway links the M4 (J22) with the M5 (J18A), running between Avonmouth and the Prince of Wales Bridge.

Built in 1996, the short five mile motorway is only accessible from other motorways.

Drivers often take the M49 to cut journey times to Bristol and South West England.

National Highways have posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm a road collision has sparked major delays for drivers. It adds that more updates are incoming.

Good afternoon. We will bring you the latest on the traffic delays on the M49.