Drivers and Bristol Airport passengers are facing a weekend of potential travel disruption, as a major section of the M4 motorway is set to be closed for the entire weekend. The closure, not in Wales but just beyond the Prince of Wales bridge, will impact those travelling to Bristol Airport and onwards to London. Specifically, the M4 will be shut in both directions between junctions 18 and 19 from 8.45 pm on Friday until 6 am on Monday.
This closure is necessary as contractors work on digging a trench under the motorway as part of the A432 Badminton Road Bridge project. The aim is to divert utilities currently housed within the bridge before its scheduled demolition next year. National Highways route manager Sean Walsh advised travellers to avoid the area if possible. However, for those requiring travel through the affected area, ample extra travel time should be factored in due to expected delays.
The closure is predicted to bring significant disruption to the region, with National Highways stressing the importance of carefully planned road works to mitigate inconvenience. Bristol Airport has also issued a warning for passengers to allow extra time for their travel plans. A local diversion route will be in operation, but it is expected to experience high levels of traffic.
Constructed in 1966, the Badminton Road bridge’s closure was prompted by structural concerns discovered during a July 2023 investigation. The decision to replace the bridge was made due to accelerated deterioration and cracking. Work is scheduled for completion by spring 2026, with a contingency plan in place for additional closures if necessary.
If the weekend’s work cannot be completed as scheduled, the M4 junction 18 to 19 will see further closures from 7 pm on Friday 25 October to 6 am on Monday 28 October. The closures aim to facilitate essential infrastructure improvements, with the hope of minimising future disruptions on one of the busiest sections of the motorway in the southwest region.