Crucial motorway to shut for a weekend as 64-year-old bridge gets prepped for demolition

The closure is necessary to allow for crucial work on the A432 Badminton Road Bridge which serves 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles every hour.

Drivers who must travel are urged to plan their journeys well in advance and should expect considerable delays.

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The closure is necessary to dig a trench under the motorway for utility diversion related to the A432 Badminton Road Bridge.

This work precedes the bridge's planned demolition next year. It was constructed in 1966 and is a concrete post-tensioned structure that has faced recent challenges.

In July 2023, a planned structural investigation revealed accelerated deterioration and cracking on the southeast underside of the bridge. This discovery led to its immediate closure to traffic.

After considering various options, National Highways stated that demolishing and replacing the existing structure would be the quickest and most economical approach. The utility diversion work during the October closure is a crucial step in this process.

National Highways route manager Sean Walsh emphasised the importance of early notification: “This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the Southwest which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible so they're able to plan their journeys well in advance.

“We carefully plan our schemes to limit any inconvenience, but sometimes it's not possible to carry out the work that's needed without a closure."

He urged drivers to reconsider their travel plans: "Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can.

“If that's not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes and expect delays."

National Highways has advised drivers to use signed diversion routes during the closure. These routes will be clearly marked, but travellers should expect delays and plan accordingly.

The closure has been carefully coordinated with another roadworks in the region. Work on the A36 Warminster Road at Limpley Stoke will be paused during this time to minimise disruption.

Despite the temporary inconvenience, the bridge replacement project is crucial for long-term infrastructure improvements. The work on the A432 Badminton Road Bridge is scheduled for completion in spring 2026.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about the closure and potential traffic impacts. Regular updates will be provided through official National Highways channels and local media outlets.

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Constructed in 1966, the bridge is a concrete post tensioned structure, designed at a time when future maintenance was less of a consideration.

National Highways manages the bridge via a series of regular routine investigations and inspections.