All traffic held after crash on Severn Bridge - live updates

Traffic on the M48 Severn Bridge was brought to a complete halt following a collision between two cars on the eastbound carriageway. Emergency services and traffic officers responded promptly to the incident, which occurred between Junction 1 (Aust) and the M4. The crash caused severe congestion, with delays extending approximately 1.5 miles and average speeds dropping to around five miles per hour, resulting in wait times of up to 48 minutes for motorists. The closure of the eastbound lanes toward Bristol led to significant disruption during the morning rush hour, as all vehicles were held stationary while emergency responders managed the scene. National Highways confirmed that the incident was causing standstill traffic, and drivers were advised to expect prolonged delays. The cause of the collision has not yet been disclosed, and investigations are likely underway to determine the circumstances. The Severn Bridge is a critical transport link between South West England and South Wales, and incidents such as this have a notable impact on regional traffic flow and logistics. The bridge often experiences heavy traffic volumes, especially during peak travel times, making any disruption particularly consequential for commuters and freight transport. Authorities typically work to clear incidents swiftly to minimize delays and maintain safety on this vital route. This event underscores the ongoing challenges of managing traffic safety on major motorways and the importance of rapid emergency response to reduce the impact of accidents. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution when approaching the area and to consider alternative routes where possible until normal traffic conditions are restored.