M4 to Close Near Bristol for Bridge Demolition
A major artery connecting Wales and England, the M4 near Bristol, will be wholly shut down this weekend for the demolition of a structurally unsound bridge. The closure, impacting both directions between junctions 18 and 19, begins at 7 p.m. on Friday,March 21,and is slated to last until 6 a.m. on Monday,March 24.
Bridge Closure Prompted by Structural Concerns
The A432 badminton Road bridge, which spans the M4 in South Gloucestershire, has been closed to all traffic since July 2023 after inspectors identified cracks. The complete demolition is now deemed necessary to ensure public safety.
Traffic Disruption Expected; Diversions in Place
National Highways is urging motorists to avoid the area if possible. Those who must travel the route should anticipate significant delays and allocate extra travel time. Signed diversion routes will be in effect throughout the weekend.
cuckoo Lane Junction Also Affected
As part of the exclusion zone, the Cuckoo Lane junction on the A432 Badminton Road will also be closed to traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists from Thursday, March 20, until Monday, March 24.National Highways will provide diversions for all affected users.
Replacement Bridge Construction planned for Later This Year
National Highways plans to begin construction on a replacement bridge later this year. This subsequent construction phase will necessitate another closure of the M4, the details of which will be announced closer to the time.
Besides the M4 closure, what other traffic disruptions will be in place due to this bridge demolition project?
M4 to Close Near Bristol for Bridge Demolition
A major artery connecting Wales and England, the M4 near bristol, will be wholly shut down this weekend for the demolition of a structurally unsound bridge. The closure, impacting both directions between junctions 18 and 19, begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 21, and is slated to last until 6 a.m. on Monday, March 24.
Bridge Closure Prompted by Structural Concerns
The A432 badminton Road bridge, which spans the M4 in South Gloucestershire, has been closed to all traffic since july 2023 after inspectors identified cracks. The complete demolition is now deemed necessary to ensure public safety.
Traffic Disruption Expected; Diversions in Place
National Highways is urging motorists to avoid the area if possible. Those who must travel the route should anticipate critically important delays and allocate extra travel time. Signed diversion routes will be in effect throughout the weekend.
cuckoo Lane Junction Also Affected
As part of the exclusion zone, the Cuckoo Lane junction on the A432 Badminton Road will also be closed to traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists from Thursday, March 20, until Monday, March 24.National Highways will provide diversions for all affected users.
Replacement Bridge Construction planned for Later This Year
National Highways plans to begin construction on a replacement bridge later this year. This subsequent construction phase will necessitate another closure of the M4, the details of which will be announced closer to the time.
M4 Bridge Demolition: Your FAQs Answered
Why is the M4 closing?
The M4 is closing for the demolition of the A432 Badminton Road bridge due to structural issues (cracks) discovered in July 2023. Public safety is the primary concern.
When will the M4 be closed?
The closure begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 21st, and it’s scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. on Monday,March 24th.
Which junctions are affected?
The closure impacts both directions between junctions 18 (for the A46 and Bath) and 19 (for the M32 and Bristol). The Cuckoo Lane junction on the A432 Badminton Road will also be closed.
What are the diversion routes?
Signed diversion routes will be in place, but National Highways has not specified the exact routes in this article, as they will be signposted. Motorists are strongly advised to plan for significant delays.
What about the Cuckoo Lane junction?
Cuckoo Lane will be wholly closed to all traffic (including pedestrians and cyclists) from Thursday, March 20th, to Monday, March 24th. Diversions will be provided.
When will the replacement bridge be built?
Construction of the replacement bridge is planned for later this year,which will unfortunately require another M4 closure. Details will be announced closer to the time.
Is there anything else I should know?
National Highways advises checking live traffic updates before you travel, as conditions can change quickly. Consider using option routes or delaying your journey if possible. Fun fact: bridge demolition is often done by carefully controlled explosions or by dismantling the bridge piece by piece.
Plan your weekend journeys accordingly and stay informed about the upcoming M4 closure. Your patience and awareness are essential for a smoother travel experience.
