Full Breakdown
Major HGV Collisions Disrupt Wiltshire Roads on October 1
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
In the early hours of Thursday, October 1, a heavy-goods vehicle (HGV) travelling westbound on the M4 struck the central reservation between junction 16 near Swindon and junction 17 near Chippenham. The impact destroyed roughly 300 metres of safety barrier and caused a “significant” diesel spill that extended for at least 100 metres across the westbound carriageway. A third lane on the eastbound side was also closed because the HGV came to rest within the central reservation.
Later that morning, a separate serious collision involving an HGV led to the closure of the A350 near Lacock in both directions. Both incidents prompted emergency-services responses and extensive traffic diversions across the region.
Timeline
- ~02:00 BST – HGV collides with the M4 central reservation; diesel begins leaking onto the road.
- 02:11 – The collision time is confirmed in a police spokesperson’s statement.
- 08:30 – Westbound M4 remains closed; traffic queues stretch for a mile and some motorists report four-hour waits.
- 09:00 – A350 at Lacock is closed in both directions following a serious collision.
- 09:10 – Wiltshire Police issues an update confirming the A350 closure and advising alternate routes.
Data & Statistics
- Barrier damage: ~300 metres of central reservation safety barrier.
- Roadwork required: ~150 metres of resurfacing on the M4.
- Diesel spill: At least 100 metres of diesel across the westbound carriageway, described as “significant.”
- Lane closures: Westbound carriageway fully closed; lane 3 of the eastbound carriageway also shut.
- Traffic impact: Queues extending from junction 15 to junction 16; some drivers stranded for up to four hours.
Official Statements & Responses
The agency advised drivers to follow solid-diamond diversion signs, with smaller vehicles exiting at junction 16 and rejoining at junction 17 via the B4042, and larger vehicles using the A4 and A350 route.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that no injuries were reported in the M4 incident and that recovery operations were underway. The force also confirmed the A350 closure, urging motorists to seek alternate routes.
On-the-Ground Reports
Traffic cameras captured head-to-tail queues on the M4, and motorists posted images of vehicles stopped along the central reservation as sunrise illuminated the spill. Drivers reported waiting for several hours before traffic could be released onto diversion routes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The M4 in Wiltshire is closed westbound between Junction 16 near Swindon and Junction 17 near Chippenham following a collision which occurred at approximately 02:11.” — The spokesperson
- “Please be aware that the A350 at Lacock is currently closed in both directions following a serious collision.” — Wiltshire Police spokesperson
What’s Next
National Highways has indicated that the M4 closure will persist until barrier repairs and road resurfacing are completed, with no specific reopening date announced. The A350 remains closed while investigators assess the serious collision; further updates are expected from Wiltshire Police.
