National Highways has announced the M4 will be closed in both directions between junctions 18 and 19 from 7pm Friday 18 October to 6am Monday 21 October while a trench is dug under the motorway.
This will allow utilities to be diverted that are currently within the bridge before the structure is demolished next year.
With 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles using this section of the M4 every hour over peak weekend periods the closure is likely to cause substantial disruption, and drivers are advised, where possible, to avoid the area and plan journeys for alternative times.
National Highways route manager Sean Walsh said, “This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the South West 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. 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.”
(Picture – National Highways)
