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Latest update 24 October 2024

Background

The bridge was closed by National Highways on 12 July 2023 for detailed investigations after cracking and deterioration were identified during a routine structural inspection. Diversions have been in place ever since.

Its condition means the bridge needs replacing – which will take approximately 2 years – and must remain closed until then. Read the National Highways announcement on their website.

Work began to prepare for the bridge replacement in January 2024.

We are working with National Highways to consider any sustainable transport opportunities that the new bridge may provide.

What this means for local traffic

The bridge remains closed to all motorists. Access has been maintained for pedestrians and cyclists.

Motorists are advised to use the following diversions:  

  • northbound via the B4465 Westerleigh Road up to A46 and into Yate via A432
  • southbound in reverse
A432 diversion route for M4 overbridge work
Map showing diversion route for closure of the A432 Badminton Road M4 overbridge

National Highways is also encouraging all traffic to use the A420 and A46 for Yate from the Hicks Gate direction on the A4174, and motorway users to use the M4 junction 18 for Yate, rather than the M32 and A4174.

Additional restrictions

The following roads are temporarily closed to through traffic:

  • Coalsack Lane
  • Ruffet Road
  • Cooks Lane

Access has been maintained for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and to residential properties and business premises along these roads.

These restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future but there are no plans to make them permanent.

Accessing businesses

All businesses either side of the bridge closure are still accessible and open as usual.

Hambrook lights junction

The right turn at Hambrook lights on the ring road will remain closed as the arrangements in place are the most efficient way of moving traffic through the junction along the ring road. This was demonstrated during the previous disruption associated with the Bromley Heath Viaduct work.

We will monitor the road network to identify any areas of congestion where we may need to intervene.  You can contact our StreetCare team on A432bridgeclosure@southglos.gov.uk or 01454 868000.

Public transport

The Y6 Bristol to Chipping Sodbury (First Bus service) now includes the St Saviour’s Church area of Coalpit Heath on every journey. This will provide a regular service to this area while motorway overbridge remains closed. View the route information and timetable on the Travelwest website.

In addition, you can pre-book the WESTLink on demand bus service by phone 0117 457 8561 or via the app. You can find out more and download the app for Android or iOS from the Travelwest website.

Timescale

The project to replace the bridge is expected to take about 2 years. It is hoped construction of the new bridge will be completed in 2025.

October 2024 M4 closure

The M4 was closed in both directions between junctions 18 to 19 from 18 to 21 October to allow the utilities in the bridge to be diverted under the motorway. National Highways say this work has been successfully completed within the planned timescale.

October 2024 improvements to diversion routes

We have been talking to local residents and monitoring the diversion routes since they were put in place. As a result we are making some changes from Monday 28 October for 2 weeks to help the flow of traffic and improve safety:

  • B4465/Henfield Road junction – road closure for verge reinforcement and kerbing
  • Henfield Road and Ram Hill – installing deer and equestrian warning signs
  • Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath – installing Keep Clear road markings
  • Station Road, Coalpit Heath – installing 20mph and Unsuitable for HGVs signs
  • Down Road – introducing temporary 7.5 tonne weight restriction
  • A4174 Wick Wick roundabout – lane closures 8pm to 6am for alterations to signs and road markings to ease the through flow of traffic (1st visit)
  • A4174 Lyde Green roundabout – lane closures 8pm to 6am for alterations to signs and road markings to ease the through flow of traffic (1st visit)
  • Nibley Lane (north of A432 Badminton Road) – installation of barriers to temporarily close the road to motorised vehicles for the duration of the bridge work
  • A4174 Wick Wick roundabout – alterations to signs and road markings to ease the through flow of traffic (2nd visit)
  • A4174 Lyde Green roundabout – alterations to signs and road markings (2nd visit)
  • Cleeve Wood Road – temporary traffic lights 9.30am to 3.30pm to install 7.5 tonne weight restriction signs
  • B4465 Westerleigh Road, Kidney Hill – temporary traffic lights 9.30am to 3.30pm for signage improvements and temporary speed limit

Further information

National Highways are responsible for the bridge, the investigations and length of work. They can be contacted on info@nationalhighways.co.uk or 0300 123 5000.

You can check for current roadworks and any potential traffic disruptions in the area on our Roadworks page

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