A417 lorry fire traffic diversions amid huge delays as firefighters battle blaze

The A417 is closed in both directions after a lorry burst into flames on the busy route at rush hour today, Tuesday, May 7. Emergency services are at the scene of the blaze, which reportedly began at around 7.30am, near Winstone, in the Cotswolds, with long delays reported on the road.

Vehicles are being diverted around the blaze. National Highways said: "The A417 in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions between the A436 (Air Balloon Roundabout) and A429 (Cirencester) due to a lorry fire. Emergency services are in attendance and National Highways have deployed resources to assist with traffic management."

Video captured by passers-by at the scene show thick, black smoke pouring out of the vehicle, which appears completely engulfed in flames. GloucestershireLive has contacted Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service for more details. Visit our live blog for more updates or scroll down for details of the diversion routes now in place.

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Drivers have been told to allow extra time for their journeys in the area this morning and long delays have been reported on the A417 this morning. National Highways has advised motorists to follow the solid circle diversion sign if travelling southbound and the solid square symbol if heading north.

Diversion routes

Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol:

• At Air Balloon Roundabout take the 1st exit onto A436 Stow-on-the-Wold.

• Continue along the A436 eastbound until the traffic lights junction with the A40, turn right onto the A40 towards Oxford.

• Continue along the A40 until the junction the A429 near Northleach.

• At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A429 towards Cirencester.

• Continue along the A429, at the A417 Burford Road junction roundabout take the 1st exit to rejoin the A417 southbound.

Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the solid square diversion symbol:

• Leave A419 at Burford Road Interchange Exit slip. At 1st Roundabout take 3rd exit onto the A429 Stow and continue north.

• At the roundabout junction with the A40, take the 1st exit onto the A40 towards Cheltenham.

• At next traffic light junction take left slip lane and turn left onto the A436 towards Gloucester.

• Continue along the A436 westbound to rejoin the A417 at Air Balloon Roundabout.

It comes after another serious crash near Gloucestershire this morning. The A46 near Evesham has also been closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for several hours. You can read the full live blog here.