One of UK’s busiest motorways closed all weekend causing travel chaos

Drivers are having a nightmare due to the closure of the M4 near Bristol this weekend.

They’re being urged to avoid the area between junctions 18 and 19 on one of the busiest sections of the UK’s motorways.

A National Highways spokesperson said: ‘If that’s not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes and expect delays.’

It’s a vital link for drivers travelling to Welsh cities like Cardiff and Newport from across the south of England.

Local diversions will be in place, likely resulting in heavy congestion.

Along with a 50mph speed limit approaching the closure, this could cause significant disruption.

The motorway is closed from 7pm yesterday to 6am on Monday to facilitate works on the Badminton Road bridge, which is due to be demolished next year.

Before then, utilities housed within it must be moved, so contractors are digging trenches across the motorway to allow this.

First built in 1966, a structural inspection last year found cracking and accelerated deterioration in the bridge, prompting the decision to tear it down.

A replacement should be complete by Spring 2026.

The bridge will be closed for further works between 7pm on October 25 and 6am on October 28.

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