DRIVERS are being warned that work to investigate cracks on a bridge over the M4 will lead to overnight closures on the motorway all this week.
The motorway will be shut in both directions between the M32 at Hambrook and A46 at Tormarton between 8pm and 6am from tonight until Saturday, while National Highways carries out the “next stage of assessments” in its structural survey work.
National Highways, which owns and maintains the Badminton Road bridge that usually carries thousands of vehicles a day, closed it on July 12 after finding “structural failures” during a safety inspection.
The closure of the bridge, next to the Wick Wick roundabout where the A432 meets the Avon Ring Road, has led to congestion on Westerleigh Road, which is part of the official diversion route, and and reports of road rage incidents on nearby smaller roads, with South Gloucestershire Council bringing in temporary closures on Coalsack Lane, Ruffet Road and Cooks Lane, by the Kendleshire Golf Club, on July 27.
The latest closure is likely to add to the traffic using Westerleigh Road, although the official diversion National Highways is advising motorists to use is via the A46, A420, Avon Ring Road and M32.
National Highways Route Manager Sean Walsh said: “We appreciate closures are frustrating, but we can reassure drivers that safety is and always will be our top priority.
“That is why we are carrying out this essential and complex investigation work under a full closure of the M4 below.
“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and ask those travelling to please allow additional time for your journeys.”
The agency says the “nosiest works” are due to be completed by 11pm where possible.
National Highways will be publishing updates on the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 and the website www.trafficengland.com.