4pm

POLICE have closed the top of the A466 Hereford Road out of Monmouth heading to Buckholt, except to access for residents.

Police closed the A466 from Monmouth through the Buckholt after two rerouted HGVs got stuck
Police closed the A466 from Monmouth through the Buckholt after two rerouted HGVs got stuck (Beacon)

They are also working on unblocking the jam at the Welsh Newton end by instructing HGV drivers south of the Llanrothal junction to reverse from the Buckholt up the single track turn off before heading back northwards on the A466.

Lorries queuing north of the Llangrove turn off on the other side of the main road are being instructed to drive past the turn off at the village war memorial and reverse into the road beside the church before turning around.

The size of some of the HGVs probably means the operation will take some time, while the two stuck lorries in the Buckholt may mean the A466 road remains closed for some time.

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3pm

A MAIN road in and out of Monmouth is gridlocked after two diverted lorries got stuck trying to pass each other on the narrow and bendy A466 at Buckholt.

Traffic was rerouted from the scene of an accident on the A49 near Harewood End this morning, leading to the alternative route being overwhelmed with HGV traffic.

Lorries and other vehicles are queuing back through Welsh Newton for several miles following the two HGVs becoming stuck prior to midday.

Stuck traffic in Welsh Newton
Stuck traffic in Welsh Newton (Beacon)

The Hereford Road in Monmouth, where Monmouth School for Girls are now seeing the school run, was also reportedly gridlocked earlier today.

A poster on Monmouth New Businesses said: "1.30pm Monday **** avoid Hereford Rd out of Monmouth A466 ****** miles and miles of lorries stuck due to diversion from Rtc on A49...

"Two stuck on the bend and miles of others behind each side."

The alternative A49 route between Hereford and Ross was closed in both directions following a serious collision shortly after 9am this morning.

An ambulance spkesperson said: "A man was found to have suffered serious injuries in the collision and received specialist trauma care at the scene before being airlifted to Southmead Hospital, Bristol.

"A woman was treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to Hereford County Hospital."

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police later said that a man had also been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.