Final Weekend Closure of M4 Near Bristol for Badminton Road Bridge Replacement

How National Highways says the finished bridge will look. Picture: National Highways

National Highways has confirmed the final full closure of the M4 near Bristol as part of the project to replace the A432 Badminton Road bridge.

The motorway will be shut in both directions between Junction 19 (M32/Hambrook) and Junction 18 (A46) from 7pm on Friday, October 10, until 6am on Monday, October 13. The closure will allow eight massive steel beams, each weighing 80 tonnes, to be lifted into position across the motorway.

A National Highways spokesperson said this marks a “key milestone” in the scheme:

“The beam lift represents the last full weekend closure of the M4 for this project and the final major stage of reconstruction. Once the beams are in place, the remaining work can be completed with minimal impact on traffic, and the new bridge is expected to open in early 2026.”

The new structure will be 46.5m long and 20m wide, making it four metres wider than the previous bridge. It will feature wider lanes, pavements, and higher barriers to meet modern safety standards. Each beam will span the motorway’s eight lanes and adjacent embankments.

Sean Walsh, National Highways route manager, acknowledged the disruption:

“We know closures are frustrating, but lifting beams of this size requires a full shutdown for safety. Once finished, the bridge will reconnect local communities, businesses, and drivers who have been affected by its closure.”

Diversions and Disruption

During the closure, drivers will be directed to the official diversion via the M32, A4174 ring road, A420, and A46. While many avoided this route during past closures, alternative local roads also saw heavy congestion. National Highways is advising motorists to avoid the area altogether if possible, with up to 4,000 vehicles using this stretch of motorway per hour at peak weekend times.

About the Bridge Project

The old Badminton Road bridge, which carried thousands of vehicles daily between Downend and Yate, was closed in July 2023 after structural faults were discovered and later demolished.

The £20 million replacement bridge will be constructed from weathering steel, designed to reduce long-term maintenance by naturally sealing against corrosion. Unlike older designs, it will have no moving joints or bearings, allowing the structure to expand and contract with temperature changes.

National Highways says the project will ultimately provide smoother, safer, and more reliable journeys for road users.