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Ten mile tailbacks after M4 crash Ten mile tailbacks after M4 crash
(about 2 hours later)
Motorists are facing 10-mile tailbacks after a lorry crashed into the central reservation of the M4 at Newport.Motorists are facing 10-mile tailbacks after a lorry crashed into the central reservation of the M4 at Newport.
One lane has re-opened eastbound after motorists in the morning rush-hour were diverted off the motorway after the lorry overturned, injuring the driver. One lane has re-opened eastbound after motorists in the rush-hour were diverted off the motorway after the lorry overturned, injuring the driver.
Police hope to open a second lane soon but urged drivers to be patient and said restrictions between junctions 24 and 28 will continue into this evening. Police said two lanes remained closed and urged drivers to be patient. They said restrictions between junctions 24 and 28 will continue into thE evening.
The lorry driver was taken to hospital after the crash at 0550 GMT.The lorry driver was taken to hospital after the crash at 0550 GMT.
He had to be released by firefighters after the crash close to junction 25.He had to be released by firefighters after the crash close to junction 25.
The M4 was closed between junctions 24 and 28 eastbound and a diversion put in place along the southern distributor road.The M4 was closed between junctions 24 and 28 eastbound and a diversion put in place along the southern distributor road.
Gwent Police said damage was caused to approximately 30-40m of the central barrier and 60-70m of the nearside barrier. The road surface also needed repair work, said officers.Gwent Police said damage was caused to approximately 30-40m of the central barrier and 60-70m of the nearside barrier. The road surface also needed repair work, said officers.
Tailbacks stretched back for 10 miles, from junction 28 to 32 on the eastbound side, coming from Cardiff into Newport.Tailbacks stretched back for 10 miles, from junction 28 to 32 on the eastbound side, coming from Cardiff into Newport.
This type of collision on a such a busy motorway just before rush hour obviously causes motorists a lot of disruption Ch Insp John Pavett, Gwent PoliceThis type of collision on a such a busy motorway just before rush hour obviously causes motorists a lot of disruption Ch Insp John Pavett, Gwent Police
Gwent Police said they recovered the lorry at around 1030 GMT.Gwent Police said they recovered the lorry at around 1030 GMT.
Afterwards they were able to open lane one eastbound to a small amount of traffic. Afterwards they were able to open one lane eastbound to a small amount of traffic.
However, this lane is due to close and then lanes two and three eastbound will re-open with the same restrictions. A second lane which had been re-opened will be closed for two hours from 1330 GMT to install safety barriers.
Between 1400 and 2000 GMT all lanes eastbound will be opened with restrictions. The third lane remains closed following damage from the crash.
At 2000 GMT lane three eastbound will be closed.At 2000 GMT lane three eastbound will be closed.
On the westbound side, Gwent Police said lane three was due to close while lanes one and two westbound would remain open. On the westbound side, Gwent Police said lane three was closed for emergency repairs and would remain so for a number of days. Lanes one and two westbound remain open.
Ch Insp John Pavett from Gwent Police said: "This type of collision on a such a busy motorway just before rush hour obviously causes motorists a lot of disruption. Ch Insp John Pavett said: "This type of collision on a such a busy motorway just before rush hour obviously causes motorists a lot of disruption.
"While the three lanes of the eastbound carriageway are going to be reopened during the busier times, because of the restrictions that are in place to ensure safety including speed limits and a police presence, obviously this will still have an impact on traffic flow."While the three lanes of the eastbound carriageway are going to be reopened during the busier times, because of the restrictions that are in place to ensure safety including speed limits and a police presence, obviously this will still have an impact on traffic flow.
"We anticipate that the temporary repairs will begin later today.""We anticipate that the temporary repairs will begin later today."
Can you imagine the devastating consequences if such an accident were to occur on one of the mornings of the Ryder Cup in October 2010? William Graham AMCan you imagine the devastating consequences if such an accident were to occur on one of the mornings of the Ryder Cup in October 2010? William Graham AM
The crash happened close to the locations as two fatal crashes, including a head-on collision where five people died in 2007. The crash happened close to the locations of two fatal crashes, including a head-on collision where five people died in 2007.
Conservative AM William Graham, who was among those caught in the delays on the M4, said the crash served to strengthen the case for an M4 relief road.Conservative AM William Graham, who was among those caught in the delays on the M4, said the crash served to strengthen the case for an M4 relief road.
The planned 15 mile (24km) road south of Newport, could open between Magor to Castleton by 2013, if a business case goes forward.The planned 15 mile (24km) road south of Newport, could open between Magor to Castleton by 2013, if a business case goes forward.
"Can you imagine the devastating consequences if such an accident were to occur on one of the mornings of the Ryder Cup in October 2010?"Can you imagine the devastating consequences if such an accident were to occur on one of the mornings of the Ryder Cup in October 2010?
"The true economic and social impacts of the crash are inestimable."The true economic and social impacts of the crash are inestimable.
"The M4 is the major transport artery into south Wales we need to find an alternative to the daily congestion around the Brynglas tunnels if we are to realise the maximum economic development which is necessary to regenerate our communities and industries.""The M4 is the major transport artery into south Wales we need to find an alternative to the daily congestion around the Brynglas tunnels if we are to realise the maximum economic development which is necessary to regenerate our communities and industries."
South Wales Fire Service used a ladder and small gear to release the lorry driver, who was treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.South Wales Fire Service used a ladder and small gear to release the lorry driver, who was treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.
Around 18 firefighters from Malpas, Dyffryn and Maindy also dealt with a spillage of 40 litres of diesel.Around 18 firefighters from Malpas, Dyffryn and Maindy also dealt with a spillage of 40 litres of diesel.