Key Highlights
- Rush-hour on the M4 is experiencing significant delays due to a crash near Bristol.
- The M5 and surrounding A-roads also face various disruptions including lorry fires, broken down cars, and flooding incidents.
- Travel advisories are provided for local routes in Gloucestershire, with notable delays on the A40, A417, and A429.
Rush-Hour Traffic Chaos: M4 Crash Sparks Widespread Delays
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, rush-hour on the M4 near Bristol witnessed a significant traffic disruption due to an accident. The incident occurred eastbound between junction 20 for the M5 at the Almondsbury Interchange and junction 19 for the M32 leading into Bristol. This has led to long tailbacks as captured by traffic cameras, severely impacting morning travel.
The regional motorway update revealed additional disruptions on other major routes.
The M4 eastbound exit slip road is partially blocked due to an accident at J19, resulting in congestion extending up to junction 21. The M5 northbound exit slip road was temporarily closed following a lorry fire at junction 28 near the A373 Honiton Road (Cullompton/Service Area). While main lanes have since reopened, slow traffic continues due to another broken-down car from this location.
Local Route Delays
In Gloucestershire, several local routes are experiencing delays and congestion. Notably, the A40 between Highnam and Over Roundabout faces significant queueing with travel times estimated at 15 minutes. Similarly, the A417 Northbound from Birdlip down to Air Balloon Roundabout is facing ten-minute delays.
The A429 near the Unicorn Hotel also has slow traffic, adding an additional five minutes to travel time. On the A46 near Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station, drivers are encountering 20-minute delays.
Additional Disruptions
Other notable disruptions include the closure of the A466 Wye’s Green in both directions due to flooding from Wyesham Avenue (Wyesham) to Tinmans Green (Redbrook). Meanwhile, a delayed reopening is expected for this route. The A429 in Stow-on-the-Wold also experiences slow traffic with a travel time of ten minutes.
For those seeking real-time updates, local news providers recommend bookmarking their site or joining their WhatsApp community to stay informed about the latest developments and any changes that may arise. Despite these challenges, there are still some positive developments; for instance, the A466 Wye’s Green reopens as floodwaters recede.
Broader Implications
The traffic disruptions on major routes such as the M4 and M5 could have significant economic implications. Businesses in Bristol and Gloucestershire might face supply chain issues or delivery delays, impacting operations and customer satisfaction. Commuters also face longer travel times, leading to potential productivity losses for employees.
Local authorities and transport planners must closely monitor these developments and prepare contingency plans to mitigate the impact of such incidents on daily life. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of road networks and the importance of robust infrastructure management in ensuring smooth traffic flow during critical times like rush hour.
