**M48 Severn Bridge Shut Both Ways Due to Police Incident, Motorists Facing Rush Hour Gridlock**
The M48 Severn Bridge, a vital route linking South Wales to the southwest of England, has been entirely closed in both directions following a police incident earlier this evening. Emergency services are currently in attendance, managing the situation between Junction 2 at Newhouse and Junction 1 at Aust, leaving thousands of commuters facing disruption during the evening rush hour.
The incident, first reported just before 6pm, has led authorities to halt all traffic on the bridge as police assess the severity and ensure the safety of those in the vicinity. Live traffic data suggests long tailbacks stretching along the approach roads as vehicles are halted while emergency responders manage the ongoing scene.
Traffic Wales South has issued urgent travel advice on social media, asking motorists to avoid the area around the M48 bridge entirely. They emphasised the need for patience, noting that the closure was unavoidable given the circumstances but that every effort is being made to deal with the incident swiftly and efficiently. Diversions are expected to cause significant delays, particularly affecting those commuting between Wales and England.
The exact nature of the police incident has not yet been revealed by authorities. Police forces typically remain cautious about releasing details while an emergency is ongoing to protect operational integrity and public safety. Unconfirmed reports from commuters on social media mentioned a strong emergency service presence on both the bridge and surrounding access roads, but these have not been verified.
This closure is having a series of knock-on effects for surrounding routes. Local roads near the bridge, as well as alternative river crossings such as the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, are experiencing higher volumes of traffic as drivers attempt to find a way around the disruption. Experts in traffic management have advised against non-essential travel in and around the area for the immediate future, warning that congestion is likely to be severe for some hours.
Communities on both sides of the bridge are particularly affected by this incident, given the M48’s strategic importance for regional travel and freight movement. Businesses relying on timed deliveries have expressed concerns, with some lorry drivers posting on community forums about delays that may impact overnight schedules. For many residents, this closure serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of major cross-border infrastructure to sudden and unexpected events.
Updates on the bridge’s status continue to emerge via traffic monitoring sites such as Inrix, which first flagged the incident as ‘all traffic being held’. Emergency alerts are also being pushed by local news providers and through subscription-based WhatsApp communities, aiming to keep the public timely informed as the situation evolves.
Looking forward, Welsh and regional traffic authorities are working closely with police teams to establish a safe timeline for reopening the bridge. However, until police give the all-clear, the situation remains fluid, and there is no estimated time for the full reopening of the route. Travellers planning routes between South Wales and England are strongly urged to monitor updates to avoid further frustration.
This incident highlights the critical role played by cross-border transport links in daily life and commerce, as well as the rapid response capabilities of emergency services in managing public safety. Further updates will be provided as soon as they are available from official sources. Local authorities and police continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone on and around the M48 Severn Bridge during this ongoing incident.