It’s been a day of sheer frustration for many travelling near Bristol Airport, as a serious collision on the A38 has forced both directions of the road to be shut down. If you’ve been caught in the backlog, you’ll know all too well how rapidly a routine drive can spiral into travel chaos.
Traffic ground to a halt early Monday morning, right near Barrow Tanks. An area just a stone’s throw south of the airport. After a significant incident involving multiple vehicles. Avon and Somerset Police quickly responded, closing the road off entirely to manage the scene and ensure safety. That closure remains in place several hours later as emergency crews work tirelessly to assess the situation, clear the wreckage, and investigate the cause.
What We Know About the Collision
Details are still emerging, but according to the latest update from Avon and Somerset Police, the crash involved at least two vehicles travelling in opposite directions. While the full scale of injuries is not yet confirmed, police on the scene earlier stated that paramedics and fire services were called in immediately.
The accident occurred at one of the more notorious stretches of the A38. Just before the airport junction. An area already known for heavy congestion and poor visibility during early morning hours. Local residents and frequent commuters will tell you: “That bend near Barrow Gurney always feels a bit sketchy, especially when it’s wet.”
As of 5:40 PM, both directions of the A38 between Dial Lane and Downside Road remain cordoned off, with no estimated reopening time provided.
Ripple Effect: Impact on Airport Travel
Bristol Airport has acknowledged the impact on travel to and from their terminals. In a statement released via their X (formerly Twitter) feed earlier today, the airport advised:
“Passengers should allow extra time to reach the airport today due to a serious incident on the A38. Check with your airline for potential delays.”
Having flown from Bristol more times than I can count, I can say with some certainty that any disruption along the A38 throws a huge spanner in the works. There simply aren’t many convenient alternative routes, especially for those rushing to make a morning departure. Taxis, buses, and even airport shuttles are all stalled in the same web of congestion.
Emergency Services Speak Out
A representative from Avon and Somerset Police confirmed:
“We’re urging people to avoid the area entirely while we manage this complex and ongoing incident. Our team is working closely with the fire service, paramedics, and highway officials to ensure the scene is made safe and cleared as swiftly as possible.”
No timeline has been provided for reopening, as accident investigation teams continue scouring the site for evidence to determine contributing factors, which may include weather, speed, or mechanical failure.
Commuter Advice: Finding Another Way
So, you’re trying to get to the airport. Or just pass through the area. And the A38 is a no-go. What now?
Here are some alternative options locals have been using today:
- Barrow Gurney Bypass (B3130): This detour is seeing heavy traffic but could work if you’re heading through Pill or Long Ashton.
- A370: Connecting Weston to Bristol, it’s a longer stretch but still moving better than the A38.
- Waze or Google Maps: Sounds obvious, but today they’ve been invaluable with real-time updates. I personally avoided a 45-minute snarl by rerouting through Dundry earlier this afternoon.
Public transport is also affected. The A1 Airport Flyer, a go-to for many air travelers, has been heavily delayed and temporarily rerouted. Check with First Bus Southwest for live updates.
Bristol Locals React
Social media lit up today, with many sharing road-cam screenshots and tagging friends to warn them off the area. One local commuter, Sarah T., posted:
“Took me nearly 90 minutes to get from Southville to the airport this morning. Never seen traffic this bad on the A38 before lunchtime.”
Frustration is understandable. But as the hours wear on, there’s equal concern over those involved in the collision. Several commenters have expressed their thoughts and prayers for those affected, and many are calling for permanent infrastructure improvements to reduce future incidents along this corridor.
Looking Ahead
Even as we approach the evening, there’s still no certainty on when the road will reopen. For those with evening flights out of Bristol Airport, it’s vital to stay in the loop, monitor updates from airport officials and local news outlets, and, if you can, give yourself plenty of extra time.
This situation also underlines a wider issue: the fragility of our regional travel network. When one road goes down. Especially this road. It can bring half the region’s movement to a standstill.
It’s time we start asking harder questions about road safety, airport accessibility, and our over-reliance on limited routes. Because today’s chaos? It’s not an isolated event.
If you’ve been affected today. Or just squeezed through the madness with seconds to spare. We’d love to hear from you. Share your story, your detour tip, or your experience dealing with it all. It’s only through shared insights that we can push for better planning ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A38 still closed near Bristol Airport?
As of 5:40 PM on March 31, both directions of the A38 between Barrow Gurney and the airport junction remain closed. No estimated reopening time has been shared by emergency services yet.
Are flights being delayed at Bristol Airport because of the crash?
Bristol Airport hasn’t reported widespread flight delays, but they are advising passengers to allow significantly more time to reach the terminal. Some travelers have reported missing flights due to the gridlock, so it’s worth checking with your airline directly.
What are the best alternative routes to avoid the A38?
Travelers are advised to use the A370 via Weston or the B3130 Barrow Gurney bypass, though both are experiencing higher-than-normal traffic. Real-time apps like Waze or Google Maps are recommended for personalised detour options.
Was anyone seriously injured in the crash?
At this stage, Avon and Somerset Police have not confirmed the condition of those involved. Paramedics were dispatched to the scene, and an investigation is ongoing. Updates are expected as more details emerge.
Is public transport being impacted by the closure?
Yes. The A1 Airport Flyer and several local bus routes are experiencing major delays and diversions. Check directly with First Bus Southwest or Traveline SW for live information and route changes.
