THE M4 junction for West Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett is set to reopen soon after being closed nearly all day due to a gas leak.

The road was initally closed at around 11am.

Since then, police have advised drivers to find alternative routes while engineers are still working on the fault.

People are still being asked to avoid the area and anyone working or living in the area has been told to keep doors and windows closed. 

All the slip road lanes at Junction 16 were closed to east and westbound traffic and cars have started queuing at Junction 15 (Swindon East/Marlborough).

Congestion has also been reported at Royal Wootton Bassett and around the Blagrove Roundabout on the A3102.

Highways England says normal traffic conditions are not expected to return to normal until about 7pm.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "Junction 16 is now open to outbound traffic only both west and easbound - meaning that nothing can come off the M4 (inbound) but vehicles can join the M4 (outbound) at 16."

Bill Frost, Wales & West Utilities senior operational manager for Swindon, said: 

“We have now finished work to repair damage to the gas network caused by contractors working for the local authority near Junction 16 of the M4 close to Royal Wootton Bassett.

“We anticipate Junction 16, which was closed by the emergency services as a precaution, will be fully reopened shortly.  

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone who is planning to work on the public highway or on private land to please ‘dial before they dig’ and contact our Plant Protection team to check the location of our gas pipes before they start work. They can be contacted on 02920 278912 or dig@wwutilities.co.uk.

“Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.”

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