M4 Closure Near Wiltshire

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The M4 motorway is set to close for a full weekend near Wiltshire, causing substantial disruption to drivers. The closure will take place between junction 18 at Bath and junction 19 at Bristol from 7pm on Friday, March 21, until 6am on Monday, March 24. This is due to the demolition of the A342 Badminton Road Bridge, which has been deemed necessary after structural investigations uncovered deterioration and cracking. The demolition process is expected to be noisy, but National Highways will try to minimize disturbance where possible.

Drivers have been warned to avoid the area and plan journeys for alternative times, with diversion routes available on the National Highways website. The closure will cause significant disruption, with 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles using that section of the M4 every hour during peak weekend periods. National Highways route manager Sean Walsh advised drivers to allow plenty of extra time to complete their journey via signed diversion routes and expect delays. The closure will be in place while the bridge is demolished ahead of being replaced due to deterioration.

In preparation for the demolition work, the A432 bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists from Friday, March 7. An alternative route is available via Down Road, Bury Hill, and Church Lane. As part of the exclusion zone, the Cuckoo Lane junction on the A432 Badminton Road will need to be closed to traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. This closure will be installed ahead of the demolition weekend and will start from Thursday, March 20. The junction will reopen on Monday, March 24. During this closure, access to Cuckoo Lane will be via Down Road and Bury Hill.

Here are the key points to note about the M4 closure: * The M4 will be closed in both directions between junctions 18 and 19 from 7pm on Friday, March 21, to 6am on Monday, March 24. * The closure is due to the demolition of the A342 Badminton Road Bridge. * Drivers are advised to avoid the area and plan journeys for alternative times. * Diversion routes are available on the National Highways website. * The closure will cause substantial disruption, with 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles using that section of the M4 every hour during peak weekend periods. * National Highways will film the activity over the weekend and share updates once the work is complete via its project webpage and social media channels.

Once the bridge is demolished, National Highways will begin work on constructing the new bridge. This will require a further closure of the M4 again later in the year to begin lifting the new bridge into place. Drivers are advised to check the National Highways website for updates on the closure and plan their journeys accordingly. It is essential to follow the official diversion route and not satnavs to avoid any confusion. By planning ahead and allowing extra time for their journey, drivers can minimize the impact of the closure and ensure a safe and smooth journey.