The M4 is closed in the westbound direction near Bristol after a body was found on the carriageway.
Police were called to reports of something in the road between junction 20 (Almondsbury interchange) and junction 22 (Awkley) on Saturday at 18:40 GMT.
Avon and Somerset Police said human remains had been found and they were investigating how they had come to be on the motorway.
The M4’s westbound carriageway is likely to remain closed until further notice.
The eastbound carriageway of the M4 and the M48 between the Severn Crossing and junction 21 of the M4 was closed, but has since reopened.
Officers are trying to identify the person and notify their next of kin.
National Highways said diversions were in place.
Anyone travelling along the motorway at the time of the incident, with information or dash cam footage is asked to contact police.