Commuters experienced heavy traffic during the morning rush hour due to a serious accident involving a motorcyclist who was swiftly taken to the hospital. The A46 in Gloucestershire was closed in both directions near Cold Ashton after the collision, causing congestion on the M4 towards Bath.
Avon and Somerset Police, along with National Highways officers, were present at the accident site, which also involved a car. Diversions were implemented, leading to traffic jams in the surrounding areas of Gloucestershire and Somerset.
National Highways has confirmed the complete reopening of the road after the overnight incident, resulting in minor delays on the A46 and no traffic on the M4. A partial reopening was also announced with lane two now open on the A46 southbound.
According to a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police, the collision occurred early in the morning and involved a car and a motorcycle. The car driver sustained minor injuries, while the motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The A46 is a crucial route for commuters traveling to and from Bath and Somerset, connecting to the M4 and the Cotswolds, and then to the A4 towards Wiltshire. The closure of the A46 is expected to cause significant delays, especially for eastbound traffic on the M4.
Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes or delay their journeys if impacted by the closure. Detailed diversion instructions have been provided by National Highways for drivers affected by the road closure. Additional information can be accessed through the National Highways website and travel apps.
Drivers on the A46 southbound are directed to use the M4 junction, adding to the congestion on the road. The diversion route involves exiting at junction 17 for Chippenham, Wiltshire, and taking the A420 westbound to bypass the closure near Cold Ashton.
The A46 southbound diversion route includes joining the M4 eastbound at junction 18, continuing to junction 17, and then taking the A350 southbound before connecting to the A420 for onward travel.
The A46 closure between junction 18 of the M4 and the A420 at Cold Ashton was enforced following the collision between a motorcycle and a car. Avon and Somerset Police are leading the investigation, with National Highways Traffic Officers assisting in traffic management and diversions.