Planned shutdowns of M4/A34 interchange next weekend for bridge upkeep and repair
For the next nine weekends, from May to August, motorists using the M4 and A34 in the UK will face significant disruptions due to extensive roadworks. Highways England has announced that there will be no access from various directions on both highways, with closures in place for the repairs.
The work involves replacing deck beans on the central reservation of two bridges underneath the M4. Drivers can find full details of the work on Highways England's road projects website, where they can also subscribe for updates.
The specific dates for the closures are as follows: Friday 8 May to Monday 11 May, Friday 29 May to Monday 1 June, Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June, Friday 12 June to Monday 15 June, Friday 19 June to Monday 22 June, Friday 10 July to Monday 13 July, Friday 17 July to Monday 20 July, Friday 31 July to Monday 3 August, and Friday 7 August to Monday 10 August.
During these weekends, the M4 over the bridges will be closed in both directions overnight, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Traffic will be diverted to use the junction roundabout and re-join the M4. The roundabout sections underneath the M4 will be closed from 9pm on Friday to 5.30am on Monday.
Access to Chieveley services, as well as the Travelodge and Hilton hotels, will be available via clearly signed diversion routes. However, drivers should anticipate added travel time, with diversions potentially adding up to 30 minutes depending on the diversion.
It is important to note that there will be no access from the southbound A34 to the M4 in either direction, as well as no access from the eastbound M4 to the southbound A34, or vice versa. Similarly, there will be no access from the westbound M4 to the northbound A34, or vice versa.
In addition to these closures, there is ongoing resurfacing work at M4 Junction 8-9, which is scheduled to take place from August 4 to September 5, 2025. This work will be conducted overnight under road closures, specifically from 9pm to 6am, Monday to Friday. A diversion will be in place for both eastbound and westbound traffic.
For general enquiries, the Highways England customer contact centre can be reached at 0300 123 5000. For media enquiries, journalists should contact the Highways England press office at 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Highways England projects, including any specific work under roundabouts, it is recommended to visit the National Highways website directly.
- The upcoming roadworks under the M4 and A34 highways encompass not only significant disruptions for motorists but also involve work in the public-transit and transportation industry, such as replacing deck beams on bridges and resurfacing at M4 Junction 8-9.
- During the announced closure periods for the M4 bridges, drivers encountering disruptions might consider alternative modes of finance, like fuel-efficient vehicles or public transit, to ensure their commute is not severely affected by the diverted route, which could potentially add up to 30 minutes to their journey.
