**Major Section of M4 Near Bridgend Closed in Both Directions Following Unspecified Incident**
Motorists travelling through south Wales faced severe disruption tonight, as police issued an urgent notice that the M4 motorway near Bridgend had been entirely closed in both directions due to an unresolved incident. The closure affects the stretch between Junction 35 at Pencoed and Junction 36 at Sarn, with officers warning that the road will remain shut “for some time”.
South Wales Police released a statement earlier this evening, confirming their presence on the scene and urging drivers to find alternative routes. “We’re at the site of an incident on the M4 between Junction 35 Pencoed and Junction 36 Sarn,” read the official message. “The road is currently inaccessible in both directions—westbound and eastbound. We anticipate the closure will last for some time; please stay away from the area and opt for different routes if possible. We truly appreciate your patience while this matter is resolved.”
Details surrounding the nature of the incident remain sparse at present, leaving commuters and local residents with little information. The police have refrained from speculating further, but the decision to close both sides of a major arterial road suggests a serious occurrence requiring significant response from emergency services.
The impact of the closure was immediate and widespread. Drivers attempting to make their way through the region reported lengthy delays and diversions, while those attending local events or returning from the city found their journeys severely complicated. Notably, attendees of Stevie Wonder’s highly anticipated Blackweir Live performance in Cardiff were among those grappling with disrupted travel plans late into the evening—highlighting the far-reaching effects such closures can have, particularly during the busy summer events calendar.
Communities in nearby Bridgend, as well as those reliant on the M4 for regular commutes between south Wales’ major urban centres, expressed frustration but also understanding, as online forums and social media channels filled with messages of support for emergency services managing the scene.
Authorities have reminded the public to check travel updates regularly and to take heed of diversion routes indicated by traffic officers onsite. The long-term implications of incidents like these extend beyond immediate delays, provoking wider questions about the contingency planning and resilience of the region’s major road networks.
Local businesses, public service providers, and event organisers are all affected by prolonged closures. Some have called for improved communication channels and enhanced realtime information sharing during motorway incidents, noting that uncertainty can add to the stress already felt during major disruptions.
South Wales Police and other agencies operating in the area have encouraged witnesses or those with information about the incident itself to come forward, although no further details have been made available at this stage. Until authorities are able to safely complete their work at the scene, travel through one of Wales’ busiest motorway sections will remain exceptionally challenging.
As the situation continues to develop, motorists and residents are advised to remain alert for official updates. The patience and cooperation of the travelling public have been acknowledged by the police, who remain on-site until the motorway can be safely re-opened.
In the meantime, all eyes will be on Bridgend and the teams working diligently to resolve the incident, with a wider discussion likely to follow regarding the preparedness of vital infrastructure to manage and communicate major disruptions affecting so many in the region.