The M4 will be shut down in both directions between junctions 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32) from 7 pm on Friday, March 21, to 6 am on Monday, March 24. The closure is necessary for the demolition of the A432 Badminton Road Bridge, which will result in significant disruption for the estimated 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles using this section of the M4 hourly during peak weekend times. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid the area or expect delays.
The extensive closure will initiate a diversion for westbound traffic. National Highways has cautioned that the demolition will generate noise but assured that they will carefully phase the works to minimize overnight disturbance, and an exclusion zone will be enforced around the bridge for safety purposes.
Route Manager Sean Walsh emphasized the importance of providing early notice to drivers due to the high traffic volume on this section of the motorway in the South West. He advised drivers to either steer clear of the area or allocate extra time for their journey, following the signed diversion routes.
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In anticipation of the demolition, the A432 Badminton Road bridge will also be closed to pedestrians and cyclists from Friday, March 7. An alternate route via Down Road, Bury Hill, and Church Lane will be available and clearly signposted. Concurrently, the Cuckoo Lane junction on the A432 Badminton Road will be closed to all traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists over the weekend, with alternative access arrangements in place.
Once the demolition is completed, work will commence on the construction of the new bridge, necessitating another M4 closure later in the year for the installation of the new structure.