**Major Section of A40 Shut Near Monmouth Following Serious Motorcycle Collision**
A serious accident on the A40 near Monmouth has resulted in the closure of the key dual carriageway, with authorities confirming that a man has been left with life-threatening injuries after a collision involving a motorcycle.
The incident, which occurred around 11:25am on Friday, 9th May, prompted a significant response from emergency services. Gwent Police officers arrived quickly on the scene, supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service and the Wales Air Ambulance, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The crash involved only the rider, a man in his fifties, whose condition is reported to be critical.
Traffic in the vicinity of Monmouth has been severely affected throughout the day, with substantial delays reported as investigators and medical teams work to manage the aftermath of the incident. Motorists have been warned to avoid the area as the closure impacts both directions of the A40 between the A449 Raglan Interchange and the B4293 Gibraltar Tunnels. An additional closure has been implemented on the westbound carriageway from the B4293 Gibraltar Tunnels to the Mitchel Troy area, further compounding travel disruption.
Police have urged travellers to seek alternative routes while emergency crews remain at the scene. The road closures are expected to remain in force for several hours as collision investigators conduct an in-depth examination to establish the cause of the crash, alongside necessary recovery operations.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police provided the following statement: “We received a report of a road traffic collision involving a motorcycle on the A40 near Monmouth at around 11.25am. Officers attended, and were joined by personnel from the Welsh Ambulance Service and the Wales Air Ambulance. The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, has been taken to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.”
The Wales Air Ambulance, often deployed to severe and remote incidents in the region, landed at the scene to offer rapid critical care. At the time of reporting, the service has been contacted for further comment and to clarify the present condition of the rider.
The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the safety of major roads in the region, particularly for vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists. Local residents and those familiar with the stretch have frequently noted the potential hazards, especially during busy periods or in variable weather conditions which can affect visibility and road traction.
Commuters, delivery drivers, and travellers experiencing the resulting traffic disruptions have expressed frustration on social media, with some highlighting the need for ongoing improvements to road safety measures. Traffic monitoring service Inrix has continued to update its platform with live information, confirming the closure and advising all drivers to plan accordingly while the emergency response remains ongoing.
As authorities continue their investigation and with the A40 expected to remain inaccessible for several hours, Gwent Police have appealed to witnesses who may have seen the incident or have dashcam footage to get in touch. The force has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing the full circumstances and supporting the injured man’s family during this difficult time.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from hospital officials and the air ambulance service. In the meantime, motorists are strongly encouraged to follow diversion signs and monitor reputable sources for travel news before setting out in the affected area.