Drivers are being warned of a significant upcoming closure on the M4 motorway, required for the installation of steel beams for the new Badminton Road Bridge. The motorway will be fully closed in both directions between junction 18 (Bath) and junction 19 (M32) from 7 pm on Friday, October 24 until 6 am on Monday, October 27.
This closure replaces the originally scheduled dates of October 10 to 13, following a delay in the manufacturing of the steel beams critical to the bridge installation, according to Gloucestershire Live. Sean Walsh, National Highways Route Manager, explained that while the delay is unfortunate, the new timeline ensures all materials will be ready to allow a smooth and safe closure.
The works represent a crucial phase in the bridge replacement project, with eight large steel beams to be installed across the motorway. This will be the final full shutdown needed for this scheme’s major reconstruction phase. Afterward, bridge construction will continue with minimal impact on motorway traffic.
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The new bridge will span 46.5 meters in length and 20 meters in width, covering eight lanes of the motorway with slightly widened roadways to comply with modern safety standards. Enhanced barriers will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Given the high volume of traffic through this section of the M4—between 3,000 and 4,000 vehicles per hour at peak weekend times—significant delays are expected. Motorists are advised to avoid the area during the closure and to plan alternative routes or travel times.
National Highways thanks the public for their patience during these essential works, which promise safer, more reliable journeys upon completion.
The closure follows an inspection in July 2023 that identified structural concerns beneath the original 1966 concrete post-tensioned bridge. After exploring options, complete demolition and replacement was chosen as the fastest and most cost-effective solution to restore this vital route.
The new Badminton Road Bridge is set to open to traffic in early 2026, marking a major upgrade for this key local link.