Bristol Airport Passengers Warned About M4 Closure for Entire Weekend
Passengers travelling to Bristol Airport from Wales this weekend have been issued a warning about a major road closure that will affect their journey. The closure of a busy stretch of the M4 motorway has been scheduled for the demolition of a bridge, causing anticipated disruptions in the area. The airport authorities have alerted passengers, many of whom originate from Wales, to brace for potential delays due to this construction work.
The decision to demolish the bridge was prompted by structural concerns identified during inspections in July 2023. Deterioration and cracking on the southeast underside of the bridge, constructed in 1966, necessitated its removal. As a result, both directions of the M4 motorway between junctions 18 for Bath and 19 for the M32 will be inaccessible from Friday evening, March 21, until Monday morning, March 24. National Highways have released a statement urging motorists to heed their advice to minimise disruptions during this closure.
National Highways have announced plans to close the M4 in both directions between junctions 18 and 19, with the closure commencing at 7pm on Friday, March 21 and scheduled to end by 6am on Monday, March 24. The demolition process is expected to generate noise, and efforts will be made to limit disturbances as much as possible. Due to this closure’s impact on one of the busiest sections of the southwest motorway, significant disruptions are foreseen. Motorists are advised to avoid the M4 around Bristol during this period, but if travel is essential, ample extra time should be allowed, following designated diversion routes.
To ensure safety, an exclusion zone will be established around the bridge site, prohibiting access to the area. Additionally, limited vantage points for observing the demolition will be available. In preparation for the demolition, the A432 Badminton Road bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists from Friday, March 7 onwards. Alternative routes have been suggested for these road users to navigate the area safely during the closure period.
The Cuckoo Lane junction on the A432 Badminton Road will also be closed to all traffic ahead of the demolition weekend, starting on Thursday, March 20. Depending on the progress made between March 21 and 24, further closures may be necessary for subsequent construction phases. Following the demolition, work will commence on building a new bridge, requiring additional closures of the M4 at a later stage.
Passengers and commuters are advised to stay updated on the situation and plan alternative routes if necessary. The significance of adhering to safety measures during the demolition and construction period cannot be overstated. We hope that all passengers travelling to Bristol Airport from Wales will take necessary precautions to avoid any inconvenience caused by the M4 closure.