M4 near Bristol to close for a full weekend -here's what you need to know
Part of the M4 near Bristol will close for 72 hours, causing significant traffic disruptions. Here's what drivers need to know about the closure and how to plan their journeys.
Why are the M4 junction 18 and 19 closing?
The M4 junction 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32) will be closed to lift eight steel beams into place for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge.
This follows after the old bridge was demolished in March following investigations that revealed damage to the A432 Badminton Road bridge which couldn’t be repaired long term or cost effectively.
This key scheme milestone will be the last full weekend closure of the M4 for this project, according to National Highways.
One the beams are placed, the rest of the bridge will be completed with minimum disruption to the motorway and the new bridge would open to the public in early 2026.
When will the M4 junction 18 and 19 close?
For the works to take place safely, the M4 junction 18 and 19 will be closed for a full weekend.
It will be closed from 7pm on Friday, October 10, to Monday October 13 at 6am.
Some 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles use this section of the motorway every hour during peak weekend periods, so substantial disruption is expected.
Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area where possible and to plan their journey for a different time.
The works can only take place if there’s good weather. If the works can’t take place, the closure will be rearranged for October 17 to 20.
What diversion routes will be in place during the closure of M4 junction 18 and 19?
If you're travelling westbound:
- leave at M4 junction 18 and join the A46 towards Bath
- take the A420 towards Warmley at the A46/A420 junction past Pennsylvania
- join the A4174 towards the M32 at the A420/A4174 junction in Warmley
- connect to the M4 at junction 19 via M32 junction 1
If you're travelling eastbound, follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.