M4 delays persist as second crash closes lanes

Two lanes of the M4 near Newport are closed after a second crash, contributing to heavy weekend delays.

M4 live updates with second crash causing severe bank holiday delays

A second crash on the eastbound M4 near Newport has closed two lanes between J29 Castleton and J28 Tredegar Park. Traffic officers are on scene as the disruption builds into the bank holiday weekend. Delays extend from the Brynglas Tunnels (J26) to Cardiff, with queueing traffic lengthening along the route.

Congestion is also reported on the M5 on the opposite side of the Prince of Wales Bridge, with very slow traffic westbound from J40 Port Talbot to J43 Llandarcy. The combined delays affect the wider network and may spill onto local roads and detour routes as travelers seek alternatives.

This incident highlights how peak travel periods turn routine crashes into regional bottlenecks. With a bank holiday weekend ahead, even a single incident can ripple through the network and push crowds toward detours. The result is longer travel times and more pressure on parallel routes.

Authorities face a balance between clearing the scene quickly and keeping traffic moving. Clear, timely updates and better guidance on detours could reduce the sense of chaos and help people plan around the delay. The situation also tests regional resilience, since a small stretch of road can influence travel plans across a wider area.

Highlights

The next update will test the region's readiness to handle holiday traffic.