M4 warning as ‘substantial disruption’ expected between Bristol and Bath

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.

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.