Drivers warned to ‘avoid the area’ as M4 closes between Bristol and Bath this weekend

NATIONAL Highways is advising drivers who can to “avoid” travelling in the area affected by the third and final closure of the M4 between Bristol and Bath as part of a project to replace a bridge.

The latest closure of the motorway, between Junction 19 for the M32 at Hambrook and junction 18 for the A46 at Tormarton, is taking place from 7pm on Friday October 24 to 6am on Monday October 27.

While the motorway is closed eight steel bridge beams, weighing 80 tonnes each, will be lifted into place over the motorway to form part of the new A432 Badminton Road bridge.

During the closure an official diversion will be in place, with drivers signposted to use the M32, A4174 Avon Ring Road, A420 and A46 past Hambrook, Downend, Emersons Green, Warmley, Wick and Dyrham.

It is the same diversion that was in place for two previous closures in October last year, when trenches were dug across the motorway to relay pipes and cables, and March this year, when the old bridge was demolished.

The old Badminton Road bridge over the M4 is brought down. Picture: Richard Drew
The old Badminton Road bridge over the M4 is brought down. Picture: Richard Drew

Many drivers avoided the official diversion during those closures, and as a result there were also long queues on alternative routes, including the B4465 Westerleigh Road between Emersons Green and Tormarton, and roads through Pucklechurch.

‘Substantial disruption’

National Highways says up to 4,000 vehicles an hour use the section of the M4 affected by the closure during peak weekend periods, so the closure is likely to cause “substantial disruption”.

A spokesperson said: “Drivers are advised, where possible, to avoid the area and plan their journeys for alternative times.

“National Highways thanks people for their patience while carrying out this significant construction work that will bring smoother, more reliable and safer journeys for road users.”

The closure was originally due to happen from 7pm on Friday October 10 to 6am on Monday October 13.

But a delay in producing the beams, which have a specially-formulated layer of stable rust to protect the rest of the metal from the elements, means the motorway operator has now postponed the closure by a fortnight.

The old A432 Badminton Road bridge over the M4 being demolished in March 2025
The old A432 Badminton Road bridge over the M4 being demolished in March 2025

National Highways route manager Sean Walsh said: “The beam lift is a huge milestone in the construction of the new bridge, but we appreciate that any road closures can be frustrating for people.

“We need to fully close the M4 because we’re using specialist machinery and it’s vital that we keep those doing the work and motorists safe. 

“Once complete, the new bridge will help reconnect drivers, businesses and the local communities that have been impacted by the closure.

“Whilst the delay is regrettable, we are working at pace to reopen the A432 as soon as possible, and we don’t anticipate this will have a delay on the overall programme of works.”

Each beam will span the eight lanes of motorway and embankment either side.

The bridge will be 46.5m (153ft) long and 20m (66ft) wide – 4m wider than the old bridge – with wider lanes and pavements “to meet today’s safety standards”.

It will have higher barriers than the old bridge, which was demolished earlier this year.