M4 Bristol to Bath: Traffic Disruption Alert

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BBC Large construction vehicles are beside a pile of rubble across the M4 motorway, which is fully closed. A number of contractors in orange high-vis clothing and white helmets are also visible. BBC

A section of the M4 was closed in March to allow the Badminton Road Bridge to be demolished

A busy stretch of motorway will shut over the weekend to allow a new bridge to be built.

The M4 will be closed in both directions between junctions 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32) from 19:00 BST on Friday 24 October to 06:00 GMT on Monday 27 October.

The closure is needed to allow National Highways to install eight huge steel beams for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge, seven months after it was demolished.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “3,000 to 4,000 vehicles us this section of motorway every hour during peak weekend periods. We expect substantial disruption.”

“We strongly advise you to avoid the area where possible and plan your journey for a different time,” they added.

It is the last time the motorway is expected to shut fully for the construction of the new bridge, with the A432 to reopen to the public in early 2026.

The bridge, which was built in 1966, was demolished in March after engineers discovered cracks in the structure.

Highways England A CGI image showing how the A432 Badminton Road bridge will look when completed. It has several cars and lorry, with lots of trees around the road and bridge.Highways England

Diversions will be in place across the weekend

Diversions will be in place across the weekend, though National Highways have urged drivers to avoid the area or travel at different times wherever possible.

Westbound traffic will be diverted as follows:

  • 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

Those travelling eastbound can follow the diversion in reverse.

James Whitfield

James Whitfield is Archysport's racket sports and golf specialist, bringing a global perspective to tennis, badminton, and golf coverage. Based between London and Singapore, James has covered Grand Slam tournaments, BWF World Tour events, and major golf championships on five continents. His reporting combines on-the-ground access with deep knowledge of the technical and strategic elements that separate elite athletes from the rest of the field. James is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, giving him unique access to athletes across the global tennis and badminton circuits.

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