The M4 motorway will be fully closed in both directions between junction 18 and junction 19 from 7pm on Friday, October 24 until 6am on Monday, October 27. This three-day shutdown is necessary as eight steel beams are lifted and installed to form the new Badminton Road Bridge.
National Highways confirmed that this weekend closure marks the final full shutdown of this stretch of the M4 for the ongoing bridge construction project. The newly installed steel beams will span the motorway, marking a major milestone in the replacement of the aging bridge.
The new structure, measuring 46.5 meters long and 20 meters wide, will be slightly wider than the original, crossing all eight lanes of the motorway. Once the beams are secured, the remaining bridge work will cause minimal disruption to traffic, with the new bridge expected to open in early 2026.
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Sean Walsh, Route Manager for National Highways, highlighted the importance of this step, saying, “The beam lift is a huge milestone in the construction of the new bridge. We understand that closures are frustrating, but full closure is essential for safety as specialist machinery is used.”
The Badminton Road Bridge, originally built in 1966, was closed to traffic in July 2023 following a structural investigation that uncovered serious issues with the bridge’s underside. After evaluating options, the decision to demolish and completely replace the bridge was made as the fastest and most cost-effective solution to restore a vital local connection.
With 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles using this part of the M4 every hour during peak weekend periods, significant traffic disruption is expected. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and to plan journeys outside the closure period. Diversions will be in place for both eastbound and westbound traffic.
National Highways thanked the public for their patience during this critical infrastructure upgrade, which aims to provide safer, smoother, and more reliable journeys for all road users.