Weekend M4 closure to affect thousands as dates changed

The M4 will now be closed in both directions between junctions 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32) from 7pm on Friday, October 24, to 6am on Monday, October 27, to allow steel beams to be lifted into place for the new A432 Badminton Road bridge. The closure marks a major milestone in the reconstruction scheme, with eight steel beams set to be installed across the motorway. More information about the project, including diversion details and progress updates, is available at nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a432-badminton-road-bridge-crossing-the-m4/#overview.

Sean Walsh, route manager for National Highways, said: "Due to unavoidable circumstances, we are having to move the weekend closure to the 24th October. "This change in date is due to a delay in the production of the bridge beams, and it's essential that we have everything in place prior to the closure to allow it to run smoothly. "Whilst the delay is regrettable, we are working at pace to reopen the A432 as soon as possible, and we don't anticipate this will have a delay on the overall programme of works."

The closure is expected to cause significant disruption, with an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles using this section of the M4 every hour during peak weekend periods. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and plan journeys for alternative times if possible. National Highways has issued a westbound diversion route via the A46, A420, and A4174, re-joining the motorway at M32 junction 1 and returning to the M4 at junction 19.

The eastbound diversion follows the same route in reverse. The new bridge will be 46.5 metres long and 20 metres wide, spanning eight lanes of motorway and offering improved lane and pavement widths to meet modern safety standards. It will also feature higher barriers to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

Constructed in 1966, the original Badminton Road bridge was closed in July 2023 after a detailed structural investigation revealed significant issues. Demolishing and replacing the structure was determined to be the fastest and most cost-effective solution to restore this key transport link. Once the beams are installed, the remaining bridge construction will be completed with minimal impact on the motorway below.

The new bridge is expected to open to the public in early 2026.

Work on the scheme is progressing well, according to National Highways.