M4 Closures Continue as Badminton Road Bridge Nears Completion
Motorists traveling along the M4 near Yate, Bristol, should prepare for a series of overnight closures as work progresses on the A432 Badminton Road Bridge. National Highways has announced upcoming disruptions to facilitate the final stages of the project, which is expected to reopen before the summer. The bridge, which was demolished in March 2026 after cracks were discovered in its structure, is nearing completion, but continued work requires temporary motorway closures.
Upcoming M4 Closures: March & April 2026
The eastbound M4 will be closed overnight between junctions 19 and 18 on Thursday, March 26, from 8:30 PM to 6:00 AM. This closure will allow for work on the sides of the bridge. Following this, the westbound M4 will be closed for two consecutive nights, Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, likewise between junctions 18 and 19, during the same hours – 8:30 PM to 6:00 AM.
Further disruptions are planned for April. Between Monday, April 13, and Friday, April 17, one lane will be closed in each direction on the A4174 / A432 roundabout, located south of the Badminton Road bridge construction site. These lane closures will be in effect overnight, from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Diversion Routes Advised
National Highways strongly advises drivers to follow the signed diversion routes during these closures, rather than relying on satnav systems. Diversion routes are in place to minimize disruption, but motorists should anticipate potential delays. Specific diversion details for the January closures (previously announced) involved taking the A46 towards Bath from Junction 18, then the A420 and A4174 to rejoin the M4 at Junction 19 for westbound traffic, and reversing the route for eastbound journeys. Updated diversion information for the March and April closures will be signposted on the night.
Project Background and Timeline
The A432 Badminton Road Bridge project began after engineers identified structural issues requiring the bridge’s demolition. The new bridge is a significant infrastructure undertaking aimed at improving connectivity and safety in the region. Work has progressed steadily since the demolition in March, with the focus now shifting to the final stages of construction and reconnection to the existing A432.
Sean Walsh, Route Manager for National Highways, previously expressed gratitude to local residents and drivers for their patience throughout the project. He highlighted the reconnection of the bridge to the A432 as a “huge milestone.” National Highways staff have recently confirmed the bridge is expected to open before the summer, offering a clear timeline for the completion of this vital infrastructure project.
Impact and Considerations for Travelers
These overnight closures are necessary to ensure the safe completion of the bridge project. Whereas National Highways will strive to minimize noise disruption, some disturbance is unavoidable due to the nature of the work. Pedestrian access will also be restricted during the closures. Travelers are encouraged to check traffic conditions before embarking on their journeys and allow extra time for potential delays. It’s worth noting that the M4 is a key artery for traffic between South Wales and the West Country, so these closures will impact a significant number of commuters and freight transport.
The ongoing work represents a substantial investment in the region’s infrastructure. While temporary disruptions are inevitable, the long-term benefits of a modern, safe, and reliable bridge are expected to outweigh the short-term inconvenience. The completion of the A432 Badminton Road Bridge will enhance connectivity and support economic growth in the area.
What’s Next?
The next major milestone is the completion of the final work on the bridge structure and its reconnection to the A432. National Highways anticipates the bridge will be open to traffic before the summer. Motorists should continue to monitor National Highways’ website and traffic updates for any further closure announcements. The lane closures on the A4174/A432 roundabout in April represent the final phase of significant disruption before the bridge’s anticipated reopening.
For the latest information and updates on the project, please visit the National Highways website: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a432-badminton-road-bridge-crossing-the-m4/
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