M4 closures to cause 'substantial disruption'

Drivers across Swindon, Bath and Bristol will be impacted by the M4 closures

Drivers are being warned about disruption ahead of a series of closures on the M4.

The motorway will be shut eastbound, between junctions 16 and 15, at night for four weeks, starting on 13 October.

Later this month, there will also be a weekend closure of the M4, in both directions between junctions 18 and 19, to allow for the delivery of steel beams which will help lift the Badminton Road Bridge into place.

National Highways said diversions, which will impact those travelling between Swindon and London, will be "clearly indicated by traffic signs".

When are the closures?

The M4 will be shut eastbound between junctions 16 and 15 until 06:00 every night between Monday, 13 October and Saturday, 3 November. Closures will be in place from 20:00 on Monday and Tuesday, 20:30 on Wednesday, and 21:00 on Thursday and Friday.

The slip road on the eastbound carriageway at junction 16 will also be shut during these times.

Drivers should also be aware of a weekend closure. On Friday, 24 October the M4 will be closed in both directions, between junctions 18 for Bath and 19 for the M32, from 19:00.

The closure, which will impact those driving to Bath and Bristol, will last until 06:00 on Monday, 27 October.

Why is this happening?

The night closures between junction 16 and 15 are for re-surfacing work as part of a multi-million pound project, started in June, to improve road conditions on the M4.

A spokesperson from National Highways said: "This essential work will maintain and improve safety for everyone using the road, and reduce the need for unplanned closures."

Meanwhile, the weekend closure, between junctions 18 and 19, is to allow for the next stage of the Badminton Road Bridge project.

Due to be open in early 2026, the new bridge which links Bristol with Yate, will span eight lanes of motorway.

National Highways said 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles use 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," a spokesperson said.

A map of the junction 18 to 19 road closure and diversion route which will be in place later this month

What diversions can I take?

For the overnight M4 eastbound closures, National Highways has advised:

• Exit at junction 16 and join the A3102

• Merge onto B4006/B4289

• At Transfer Bridges roundabout, take the third exit onto A4289

• At the next roundabout, follow diversion signs to join A4313/Octal Way

• At the junction for A4312 (Drakes Way), turn right towards M4/Walcot Town Centre

• At Drakes Roundabout, take the first exit onto A4259 (Queens Drive/Marlborough Road)

• At Commonhead Roundabout, take the fourth exit to join the A419

• Rejoin the M4 eastbound carriageway at junction 15, taking the first exit at Badbury Roundabout

For the weekend closure, National Highways has issued this guidance:

• If travelling westbound, leave at M4 junction 18 and join the A46 towards Bath

• Take the A420 towards Warmley at the A46/A420 junction past Pennsylvania

• Join the A4174 towards the M32 at the A420/A4174 junction in Warmley

• Connect to the M4 at junction 19 via M32 junction 1

• If you are travelling eastbound, follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.

• Please follow diversion signs and not sat navs.

What about emergency services?

National Highways has confirmed that the road closures will not apply to emergency service vehicles.

A spokesperson said: "The closures would not apply to emergency services and works vehicles and diversion routes will be clearly indicated by traffic signs throughout the works period and will only apply when traffic management measures are in place."