There are major delaysM4 trafficM4 traffic(Image: National Highways )

A diversion route is in place on the M4 due to a vehicle fire this afternoon, Friday, July 18.

Emergency services are currently at the scene of a large fire on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway, between junction 18 and 17.

Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue and National Highways crews at at the scene.

Drivers travelling eastbound should follow the following diversion:

Road users should follow the route marked with a solid square symbol on local road signs:

  • Exit the M4 eastbound at J18
  • At the junction roundabout take the third exit on to the A46 southbound
  • Continue south on the A46 to the Cold Ashton roundabout with the A420
  • Take the first exit on to the A420 eastbound
  • Remain on the A420 eastbound to Chippenham
  • At the Bumpers Farm Roundabout with the A350 take the first exit
  • Follow the A350 northbound to J17 of the M4
  • At the junction roundabout take the third exit to re-join the M4 eastbound

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There are currently long tailbacks with drivers facing delays of 30 minutes.

National Highways has closed the M4 as fire crews work to extinguish the fire.

National Highways added: “#M4 eastbound J18 (# Bath #Stroud #A46) and J17 (#Cirencester #A429 #Chippenham #A350) #Wiltshire

“ROAD CLOSED due to a vehicle fire.”

The M4 remains closed and drivers are being told to plan their journeys and allow extra time.

Roads and traffic monitoring site Inrix reports there is congestion to half way to Bristol.

It said: “M4 Eastbound closed, severe delays due to vehicle fire from J18 A46 (Bath / Tormarton) to J17 A350 (Chippenham). Congestion to half way to J19 (Bristol). Diversion – via J18 exit slip road.”