Two major UK motorways will be closed next week – creating travel chaos for tens of thousands of drivers.
The M4 will be closed in both directions between junction 18 and 19, between 7pm on October 18 and 6am, October 21. And stretches of the M5 have already closed for long-term repairs.
The M4 – the main route between London, Bristol and Wales – will be closed due to maintenance work on the A432 Badminton Road Bridge. A diversion route will be in place – but drivers are warned to expect major congestion.
Nonetheless, drivers are being advised to avoid the area, if possible, while the work is completed. The Badminton Bridge will be demolished next year, after an investigation found the structure was irreparably damaged.
Demolition is considered the quickest and most economical approach. Trenches will be dug beneath the motorway to divert utilities currently within the bridge, reported The Sun.
If the planned work isn’t completed within the given timeframe, drivers will face further M4 closures. These will take place from 7pm, between on October 25 to 6am on October 28.
Sean Walsh, National Highways route manager, said: “This is one of the busiest sections of the motorway in the South West which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible so they’re able to plan their journeys well in advance.
“Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can – if that’s not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes and expect delays.”
Regarding the M5 – which connects the Midlands with the South West – a large maintenance programme is now underway. National Highways conducting “essential repairs” to the concrete layer on which the carriageway sits.
This requires the surface layers to be stripped off – and replaced afterwards. Sections of the M5 will need to be closed fully in both directions at different times. Diversions will be put in place where possible.
The M5 repairs, which began last month, will continue across the next six months, over several rounds.