A432 Badminton Road M4 overbridge closure
Latest update 26 September 2024
M4 junction 18 to 19 closure
National Highways are closing the M4 in both directions between junctions 18 and 19 from 7pm on Friday 18 October to 6am on Monday 21 October while a trench is dug under the motorway.
Utilities that are currently within the bridge need to be moved before the structure is demolished next year.
Diversion route
Directions:
- From M4 junction 18, exit the motorway roundabout to the A46 heading towards Bath
- At the A46/A420 junction just past Pennsylvania take the A420 towards Warmley
- At the A420/A4174 junction in Warmley, take the A4174 towards the M32
- Join the M32 at junction 1 and head to the M4 junction 19
- Follow directions above in reverse for exiting at M4 junction 19
More information on the M4 closure is available on the National Highways website.
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.
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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
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.
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.