**Major Delays for Drivers After Collision Shuts Two Lanes on M4 in Newport**
Motorists travelling on one of Wales’ busiest roads faced significant disruption this morning after a traffic accident forced the closure of two lanes on the M4 motorway near Newport. The incident, which occurred on the eastbound carriageway between junction 28 at Tredegar Park and junction 27 at Glasllwch Crescent (Highcross), led to extensive queues and lengthy delays for commuters.
According to information released by Traffic Wales, the closures were put in place in response to an accident that unfolded during peak travel hours. Emergency services attended the scene to deal with the aftermath, but the resulting congestion quickly built up as vehicles funnelled into the remaining open lane.
Live traffic feeds and updates from the area painted a picture of frustration for drivers, with tailbacks reported to stretch several miles in both directions. Many drivers caught in the snarl-up described delays far beyond their normal morning commute, with some reportedly adding over an hour to their journey time.
The delays were felt not just by those already on the motorway, but also by residents and businesses in surrounding areas, as drivers attempted to escape the gridlock by diverting onto local roads. This, in turn, caused increased congestion on key routes through Newport, compounding difficulties for travellers in the region.
Authorities urged patience and caution, advising motorists to allow extra time for their journeys or to consider alternative routes where possible. In a statement shared on social media, Traffic Wales said, “We’re working alongside emergency services and recovery teams to clear the incident and reopen the lanes as swiftly and safely as possible. Safety remains our top priority whilst managing disruption for road users.”
No official details regarding any injuries sustained in the accident have yet been released. Eye-witnesses and official sources have also not provided information on the number of vehicles involved in the collision; investigations are likely to continue throughout the day as traffic police work to determine the cause of the accident.
This particular stretch of the M4 is notorious among commuters for congestion, particularly during rush hours. Incidents such as today’s often serve to highlight the importance of careful driving and the need for ongoing investment in road safety and infrastructure improvements along this key artery in south Wales.
In response to this morning’s disruption, public transport providers have reported an increase in demand, with several bus services noting a spike in passenger numbers as people look to avoid the hassle of motorway delays. Newport City Council later issued a reminder via its travel updates page about ongoing roadworks in the local area, which could further impact journey times for some residents.
As the day progresses, traffic officials are expected to provide further updates as recovery and clean-up efforts continue. Drivers who are planning to use the M4 in the coming hours are strongly encouraged to monitor the latest travel bulletins before setting off.
This incident has once again brought into sharp focus the challenges faced by Wales’ transport network, particularly during periods of heightened demand or unexpected events. As the summer season gets underway and roads experience heavier traffic, both authorities and road users alike will be hoping for a swift return to normality on the M4 and improved safety for all.