Motorists have experienced long delays on the M4 after it was closed in both directions following a gas tanker fire.



The lorry caught fire on the eastbound carriageway of the motorway between junction 18 for Bath and the Chippenham turnoff at junction 17.

Highways England said the road was closed in both directions for an hour on Good Friday.

Firefighters from Dorset & Wiltshire and Avon fire and rescue services tackled the blaze.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Those caught in the traffic were told to remain in their vehicles. Highways England said the motorway had reopened but drivers could expect delays of up to 90 minutes.

Please plan ahead if you're using the #M4 E/B today....severe delays J19-J17. pic.twitter.com/n8KuipFSVN — Highways England (@HighwaysSWEST) April 14, 2017

We've opened another lane past the scene of the HGV fire on #M4 E/B J18-J17 and 2 lanes are now running. This should help ease congestion. — Highways England (@HighwaysSWEST) April 14, 2017

The incident happened on one of the busiest times for UK roads – with about 20m journeys being made between Thursday and Easter Monday.

Highways England previously advised drivers to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes. Tourism body Visit England said 6.6 million Britons were planning a trip involving an overnight stay over the weekend.

Two million British holidaymakers were expected to head overseas during Easter, with Friday the busiest day for travel. Easter Sunday was expected to be the quietest day on the roads with 25% fewer vehicles than an average Sunday.

A number of rail services will be disrupted as Network Rail carries out more than 200 engineering projects. Trains to London, Manchester, Bath, Edinburgh and Glasgow are among those affected.