Cracked bridge over M4 motorway to be demolished

Cracks were found on the south-east underside of the bridge, which was built in 1966

A bridge over the M4 near Bristol is going to be demolished after cracks were found in the structure.

National Highways shut the A432 Badminton Road overbridge, which links Downend and Yate, in July after finding "deterioration and cracking".

The organisation found that strengthening and refurbishing work would not provide a long-term solution.

Instead, they are opting to construct a new 20m (65ft) wide bridge. That should be in place in 2025.

Work to demolish the older bridge will take place in summer and autumn 2024.

The project is expected to take about two years. Due to the condition of the current bridge, it will need to remain closed to limit any further damage during the design phase.

'Frustrating' closure

According to National Highways, repairing the bridge would have taken around the same time as replacing it.

Sean Walsh, route manager for National Highways, said: "Safety is our number one priority, and our extensive and detailed investigations show that we now need to demolish and replace the bridge.

"As you will appreciate this is an expensive complex process and we are working with partners to expedite the process as quickly as possible.

South Gloucestershire Council's leader, Councillor Claire Young, added: "We understand how frustrating this closure will be for residents, however do recognise that it is essential that National Highways carry out this work for the safety of all bridge and motorway users."