M4 Closed in Both Directions as Motorway Warning Issued for Drivers
Motorists are being alerted to significant disruption on the M4, with a full weekend closure set to impact travel plans. Although the closure is not in Wales, it’s just across the Prince of Wales bridge and could affect those travelling to Bristol Airport or London.
The shutdown began at 8.45pm on Friday and will last until 6am on Monday between junctions 18 and 19. Contractors need to excavate a trench beneath the motorway for the A432 Badminton Road Bridge project. This work is necessary to reroute utilities from the bridge, which is slated for demolition next year.
National Highways’ route manager, Sean Walsh, advised: “Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can. If that’s not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes and expect delays.”
The closure is expected to cause significant traffic issues, with National Highways warning of substantial disruption. Bristol Airport’s team has also recommended that passengers should allocate “plenty of time” for their journeys.
National Highways further commented: “This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the south west. The closure is likely to cause substantial disruption. We carefully plan our schemes to limit any inconvenience. However, sometimes it’s not possible to carry out the work needed without a closure.”
A local diversion will be operational, but heavy congestion is anticipated. Built in 1966, the Badminton Road bridge was shut off to traffic following a structural investigation in July 2023 that revealed rapid deterioration and cracking on the southeast underside of the structure.
The decision was subsequently made that the fastest and most cost-effective solution would be to demolish and rebuild the bridge. The work is set to be finished by spring 2026. If this weekend’s work doesn’t go as planned, the M4 junction 18 to 19 will be closed once more from 7pm Friday 25 October to 6am Monday 28 October.