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Gas leak closes M49 near Bristol in both directions M49 reopens after gas leak near Bristol
(about 1 hour later)
A motorway near Bristol has been closed in both directions following a gas leak at Avonmouth. A motorway near Bristol that was closed in both directions following a gas leak at Avonmouth has reopened.
Highways England said the closure on the M49 would remain in place for a "number of hours". Highways England said the closure on the M49 had been lifted and the gas leak "dealt with".
Motorists are being diverted via the M4 and M5 motorways, but the agency said traffic on those routes was "flowing well". Motorists were being diverted via the M4 and M5. The agency said there were "no delays" on the M49 or the diversion routes.
A National Grid spokesperson said it was hoping the M49 would reopen at about 20:00 GMT. A National Grid spokesperson said the road had reopened but work would continue to repair the problem.
How to avoid the Christmas traffic jams
The M49 links the M5 with the M4 motorway.
The utility firm said it was hoping to "reduce pressure in the mains" which would enable it to remove an exclusion zone around the leak.
"We are currently working to fix a gas leak north-east of Avonmouth," the spokesperson added.
"We are co-ordinating all our efforts with the police to ensure this is carried out as quickly and safely as possible."