**Major Disruption on M4 as Both Carriageways Closed Following Serious Incident Near Bridgend**
Motorists in south Wales are facing significant delays today after a serious collision forced the closure of the M4 in both directions near Bridgend. Emergency services remain on site, with drivers being urged to avoid the area and seek alternative routes amidst growing tailbacks and mounting commuter frustration.
The incident, which occurred shortly before midday on Thursday, unfolded between Junction 36 at Sarn and Junction 35 at Pencoed. Traffic Wales, the government’s official road information provider, swiftly issued warnings across its channels, stating: “Collision on M4 eastbound J36 Sarn – J35 Pencoed. Road is currently closed. Emergency services at scene.” The closure quickly affected both eastbound and westbound lanes, causing all traffic to come to an abrupt standstill.
By early afternoon, roads in and around Bridgend were heavily congested as a result of diversions and the closure. The situation has inconvenienced hundreds of commuters, with long queues stretching back in both directions. Inrix, a well-established traffic monitoring service, confirmed: “All traffic is being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to accident on M4 in both directions at J36 A4061 (Bridgend / Sarn Service Area). Prior to 12.30pm, all traffic was held eastbound and not long after, westbound was also held.”
Local authorities including South Wales Police are attending the scene. While clear information about the extent of the incident has yet to be released, it is understood that emergency response teams, including paramedics and fire crews, are working to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
The disruption comes at a particularly sensitive time given the sheer volume of vehicles using the M4 corridor, a vital artery for south Wales that connects the capital, Cardiff, with towns and cities further west. Incidents such as today’s highlight the vulnerability of regional transport networks to sudden and unexpected road closures, leading to profound impacts on travel and logistics.
Officials have reiterated advice for anyone planning to travel through the affected area to check for updates and consider postponing journeys or using alternative routes if possible. “We’re asking all motorists to remain patient and avoid the area to allow emergency services access to the scene. Please monitor official channels for updates,” a spokesman for Traffic Wales stated.
In recent years, the M4 has seen similar disruptions, though today’s closure of both carriageways is significant in its scale. Drivers stranded on the motorway reported delays of up to an hour, and concerns were raised about the lack of immediate alternatives for some routes. Local businesses have also noted the knock-on effects, with delivery services and public transport reporting delays.
While the full cause of the incident is yet to be determined, authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation once the scene is secured. As news of the closure spread, social media channels were inundated with pleas for information and advice from affected travellers, demonstrating the importance of timely updates in managing the public’s response to such emergencies.
Updates will continue to be released as the situation develops. Commuters are advised to follow @TrafficWalesS on social media and tune into local radio for the latest details. The hope is that emergency teams will be able to reopen the motorway as soon as it is safe to do so, though delays are likely to continue into the afternoon. For now, patience and vigilance are being asked of everyone travelling in and around Bridgend.