**Major Delays After Multi-Vehicle Collision Forces Closure of M4 Lanes Near Bridgend**
Significant travel disruption struck the M4 motorway near Bridgend this morning following a road traffic collision that necessitated the closure of two lanes. The incident affected the eastbound carriageway between junctions 37 (Pyle) and 36 (Sarn), with emergency teams responding quickly to manage the situation and ensure the safety of motorists.
The collision, which occurred shortly before 8:45am, led to a prompt response from Traffic Wales South and traffic officers, who closed lanes two and three to facilitate their work and enable emergency services to access the scene. Motorists in the area were warned to expect considerable delays as vehicles built up in the remaining open lane.
Initial reports from Traffic Wales South indicated that both traffic and emergency personnel were attending the incident, making efforts to assist those involved and to clear the roadway as soon as possible. The precise details regarding the number of vehicles involved or any injuries sustained were not immediately released by authorities, highlighting the unpredictable nature of incidents on major transport corridors.
Commuters and local residents alike took to social media to express frustration at the resulting traffic congestion, which quickly tailed back as drivers were funnelled into a single remaining lane. Some motorists reported delays of over half an hour as crews worked to clear debris and vehicles from the tarmac.
Traffic management teams on site issued regular updates via social media platforms, advising drivers to avoid the affected stretch of the M4 if at all possible, or to seek alternative routes. The closures sparked knock-on effects on surrounding roads as drivers sought to bypass the worst of the congestion, further highlighting the fragility of the road network in the face of unexpected incidents.
Local businesses and commuters reliant on the motorway voiced concerns about the wider impact of such closures, with delivery schedules disrupted and school runs delayed. For many, the morning’s events served as a reminder of the crucial importance of up-to-date traffic information and effective emergency response capabilities on Wales’s major routes.
As the situation unfolded, authorities urged patience from the travelling public, emphasising the need for lane closures to ensure those involved in the accident received the help they required, and that the scene could be made safe before vehicles began flowing freely again. Official bulletins pointed out that while inconvenience was inevitable, safety remained a paramount priority.
By mid-morning, efforts were underway to reopen the closed lanes, with recovery vehicles on site working alongside police and highways staff to clear the remaining obstructions. While some delays were expected to persist until traffic levels subsided, teams worked swiftly to restore normality as soon as circumstances allowed.
The incident stands as the latest in a series of disruptions along the busy M4 corridor. It has highlighted ongoing conversations about road safety, traffic management, and the resilience of infrastructure in the face of accidents and unexpected delays. Scenes like this remind all road users of the unpredictable realities of motorway travel, and the crucial role that emergency services play in maintaining the safety and functionality of key transport routes.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor local traffic updates and consider alternate routes during future incidents to minimise disruption to their journeys. The cause of the collision remains under investigation as authorities continue their work at the scene. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from local emergency services and highways teams.