MOTORISTS have been warned about disruption ahead of a series of closures on a major motorway.
The busy stretch of road is scheduled to undergo maintenance works over the next month.
The eastbound stretch of the M4 between Swindon and London will be closed overnight for the next four weeks[/caption]
Drivers will have to find new evening and early morning routes for the upcoming four weeks.
The eastbound stretch of the M4 between Swindon ans London will close from 7pm to 6am.
National Highways confirmed the closure, which will occur the road between junctions 16 to 15 overnight.
The slip road onto the eastbound carriageway at junction 16 is also expected to close.
National Highways added that any diversions will be “clearly indicated by traffic signs”.
“Traffic will be diverted via junctions of the M4, and local roads,” a spokesperson said.
The rep went on to clarify that the closures will not apply to emergency services and works vehicles.
Closure dates
The closures are due to start on Monday, October 13 and take place every night for the following four weeks.
This is to allow for re-surfacing work to be carried out on the section of the motorway.
The closure will also allow for the delivery of steel beams which will help lift the Badminton Road Bridge into place.
A public notice issued by Swindon Borough Council confirmed the work should be completed by Tuesday, November 11.
Motorists have also been advised of a weekend closure occurring on Friday, October 24.
The M4 will be closed in both directions, between junctions 18 for Bath and 19 for the M32, from 7pm.
The closure, which will impact those driving to Bath and Bristol, will last until 6am on Monday, October 27.
Major works
The work began in June 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of the autumn.
M4 diversions
For the overnight M4 eastbound closures, National Highways has advised:
- Exit at junction 16 and join the A3102
- Merge onto B4006/B4289
- At Transfer Bridges roundabout, take the third exit onto A4289
- At the next roundabout, follow diversion signs to join A4313/Octal Way
- At the junction for A4312 (Drakes Way), turn right towards M4/Walcot Town Centre
- At Drakes Roundabout, take the first exit onto A4259 (Queens Drive/Marlborough Road)
- At Commonhead Roundabout, take the fourth exit to join the A419
- Rejoin the M4 eastbound carriageway at junction 15, taking the first exit at Badbury Roundabout
For the weekend closure, National Highways has issued this guidance:
- If travelling westbound, leave at M4 junction 18 and join the A46 towards Bath
- Take the A420 towards Warmley at the A46/A420 junction past Pennsylvania
- Join the A4174 towards the M32 at the A420/A4174 junction in Warmley
- Connect to the M4 at junction 19 via M32 junction 1
- If you are travelling eastbound, follow the same diversion in the opposite direction.
- Please follow diversion signs and not sat navs.
It is estimated to cost approximately £5.9 million.
The resurfacing project is being carried out to improve the road conditions for drivers.
“This essential work will maintain and improve safety for everyone using the road, and reduce the need for unplanned closures,” said a spokesperson from National Highways.
Meanwhile, the weekend closure between junctions 18 and 19 will allow for the next stage of the Badminton Road Bridge project.
The new bridge linking Bristol with Yate, will span eight lanes of motorway and is set to open early next year.
National Highways said 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles use this section of motorway every hour during peak weekend periods.
“We expect substantial disruption. We strongly advise you to avoid the area where possible and plan your journey for a different time,” a spokesperson said.
More on motorways
And the M61 has closed after a horror crash, with drivers warned of long delays.
Another major motorway junction near an airport will close overnight for resurfacing.
Drivers faced long delays as the M6 closed after a car erupted into flames.
Thousands of motorists were also affected after a crash on a major motorway.
And a lorry has burst into flames in the middle of the M90 sparking closures.
