Weekend M4 Closure to Cause Major Delays Between Bristol and Bath
This weekend, drivers traveling between Bristol and Bath are being warned to expect substantial disruption as a major section of the M4 will be closed in both directions. The closure, which runs from 8:45 pm on Friday, October 24, until 6:00 am on Monday, October 27, is necessary to allow National Highways to install eight enormous steel beams for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge. This comes seven months after the old bridge was demolished following the discovery of structural cracks.
National Highways has stressed that this stretch of motorway sees between 3,000 and 4,000 vehicles per hour during busy weekend periods. Because of this, drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if possible or to adjust their travel plans to off-peak times. It’s expected that the closure will be the last full weekend shutdown needed for the bridge construction, with the new A432 set to reopen in early 2026.
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The original Badminton Road Bridge, built in 1966, was taken down in March after engineers found serious cracks that made the structure unsafe. The replacement bridge will be 46.5 meters long and 20 meters wide, slightly wider than the original, and will include higher barriers to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Diversions have been put in place for the duration of the closure. Westbound traffic will be routed from Junction 18 via the A46 toward Bath, then along the A420 toward Warmley, and finally along the A4174 to rejoin the M32, reconnecting to the M4 at Junction 19. Eastbound traffic will follow the same route in reverse.
National Highways highlighted that the installation of the steel beams is a major milestone in the bridge construction project. Specialist machinery will be used during the operation, making the full closure essential for the safety of both workers and motorists. Once the beams are in place, remaining construction work is expected to cause minimal disruption to traffic.
Officials have thanked the public for their patience throughout the project and emphasized that the new bridge will deliver smoother, safer, and more reliable journeys, reconnecting drivers, businesses, and local communities impacted by the long-running works.
For anyone planning to travel in the area this weekend, significant delays should be anticipated, and careful planning is strongly recommended to avoid being caught in traffic. The upcoming closure marks an important step toward completing the new Badminton Road Bridge and restoring normal traffic flow on this busy section of the M4.
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