**M4 Motorway Closed After Major Collision Near Swansea, Causing Severe Travel Disruption**
Motorists faced significant delays this morning after a serious collision led to the temporary closure of the M4’s eastbound carriageway between Junctions 40 and 38, in the area between Port Talbot and Margam, near Swansea. Authorities responded to the incident in the early hours, and traffic has been brought to a complete halt while emergency services work at the scene.
Traffic monitoring system Inrix first reported the closure shortly before 7am, alerting drivers that all lanes were at a standstill following the accident. Drivers in the vicinity quickly experienced mounting congestion as vehicles queued along the affected section of the motorway, creating pronounced knock-on effects across nearby routes.
A spokesperson for Traffic Wales offered guidance for motorists, urging them to avoid the area around the crash if possible and to “allow extra time for your journey” due to the disruption. Traffic Wales later confirmed that both regular and freight traffic had been impacted, with significant backlogs building rapidly throughout the morning rush hour.
While initial details regarding the cause of the collision or the number of vehicles involved remain limited, there has so far been no official word on any injuries. Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, were called to the scene and were seen diverting vehicles and assisting those caught up in the incident. Members of the public are being reminded by authorities to refrain from speculation until further information is made available.
The M4 motorway is a crucial corridor for travel in South Wales, linking communities from Swansea through to Cardiff and beyond. Incidents of this nature can cause significant trouble not just for commuters but also for commercial lorries and delivery drivers who rely on timely passage through the region. Delays of up to an hour or more were being reported as of 8am, with motorists urged to consider alternative routes where feasible.
Local businesses, understandably, expressed frustration at the disruption, noting that early morning deliveries and appointments were already significantly affected. “We rely on the M4 every day for both staff and customers to reach us,” said one small business manager in Margam, whose workforce found themselves stuck in traffic. “When the motorway grinds to a halt, it can have a knock-on effect on the whole day.”
Transport authorities emphasise that safety remains their top priority while the clean-up and investigation continue. Temporary closures of this nature are necessary to allow emergency crews to operate without risk and to enable investigators to establish the circumstances around the crash. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and will reopen lanes as soon as it is safe to do so,” assured a Traffic Wales representative.
Those needing to travel through the area are advised to keep up to date with the latest developments via official traffic information channels, including social media accounts for Traffic Wales and updates from traffic monitoring services. Journey planners such as Inrix and navigation apps were continuing to provide real-time updates and suggest alternative routes.
As the situation unfolds, attention remains on the safety and well-being of all those involved. The closure adds to a list of recent traffic disruptions seen on the M4 corridor in South Wales, underscoring the need for continued caution on the road and the importance of prompt action by emergency services when accidents occur.
Further updates are to be expected as emergency services make progress at the scene and more information becomes available regarding the incident. Authorities have promised a full update on the circumstances surrounding the crash once investigations are complete, and motorists are thanked for their continued understanding during this period of disruption.