Motorists are being advised to avoid travelling if possible
12:34, 24 Oct 2025
The demolition of the old A432 in March(Image: National Highways)
Drivers are being warned of long delays due to this weekend’s closure of the M4 between junction 18 (Bath) and junction 19 (M32). The motorway will be closed from 7pm today (Friday October 24) until 6am on Monday October 27.
The best thing for motorists to do, according to advice from the National Highways agency, is avoid travelling if possible. For those who need to make a journey in the area affected by this weekend’s closure, a lengthy diversion will be in place.
Motorists travelling in a westbound direction are advised to:
- 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
- Follow directions above in reverse for exiting at M4 junction 19
The eastbound diversion will be the same route in reverse.
The diversion route drivers intending to travel along the M4 must follow this weekend(Image: National Highways )
The diversion route is almost exactly 15 miles and takes about half an hour without traffic, according to Google Maps.
Travel time along the same route is forecast to be a lot longer this weekend, with 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles normally using the closed section of the M4 every hour over peak weekend periods, according to National Highways.
The M4 is being closed to allow steel beams for the new A432 Badminton Road Bridge to be lifted into place. The new bridge is forecast to open to the public in early 2026.
After this weekend’s work, the rest of the construction of the new bridge is expected to cause ‘minimal disruption’ to the motorway.
Sean Walsh, Route Manager for National Highways, said: “The beam lift is a huge milestone in the construction of the new bridge, but we appreciate that any road closures can be frustrating for people.
“We need to fully close the M4 because we’re using specialist machinery and it’s vital that we keep those doing the work and motorists safe.
“Once complete, the new bridge will help reconnect drivers, businesses and the local communities that have been impacted by the closure.”
