5 Key M4 Closures To Plan For This Weekend In 2024

As the weekend approaches, travelers using the M4 Motorway are advised to plan their journeys carefully due to a series of scheduled road closures that could significantly impact travel times. These closures, aimed at various maintenance and construction projects, are set to take place this weekend in 2024, and understanding them is crucial for anyone planning to use this vital transportation artery. Let’s delve into the details of these closures, their purposes, and the alternative routes that drivers should consider.

M4 Junction 2-3: Resurfacing and Drainage Upgrade 🌌

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=M4+Junction+2-3+resurfacing" alt="Resurfacing Work at M4 Junction 2-3"> </div>

Between Junction 2 (Brentford) and Junction 3 (Hayes), a significant portion of the M4 will undergo resurfacing work and drainage upgrades. This section of the motorway has been selected due to visible wear and tear, as well as issues with water pooling, which can be hazardous during colder months. The work will include:

• Resurfacing: Replacing old asphalt with new, more durable materials to ensure a smoother, safer ride.
• Drainage Improvements: Installing new drains and culverts to manage runoff more effectively.

Key Points:

• Full closure: From 10 PM Friday to 6 AM Monday.
• Alternative Routes: Drivers can use A4 Bath Road or A312 The Parkway as detours.

<p class="pro-note">🚗 Note: Expect delays during peak times and consider leaving extra time for your journey.</p>

M4 Junction 14-15: Bridge and Safety Barrier Works 💂‍♂️

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=M4+bridge+maintenance" alt="Bridge and Barrier Maintenance on M4"> </div>

Between Junction 14 (Hungerford) and Junction 15 (Swindon), there will be bridge maintenance work, including safety barrier replacements. This project is vital to ensure the structural integrity of the bridges and to enhance safety for motorists:

• Bridge Repairs: Addressing areas of degradation, corrosion, and damage.
• Safety Barrier Replacement: Installing new, more resilient barriers to protect against vehicle impacts.

Key Points:

• Partial Closure: Only one lane in each direction will be closed from 9 PM Saturday to 6 AM Monday.
• Alternative Routes: A346 Marlborough Road for eastbound traffic and A419 for westbound traffic.

M4 Junction 25-26: Traffic Management Systems Upgrade 🚦

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=M4+traffic+management+system+upgrade" alt="Upgrading Traffic Management Systems on M4"> </div>

The stretch between Junction 25 (Caerleon) and Junction 26 (Malpas) will see upgrades to the traffic management systems. This project involves:

• Installation of New Smart Signage: To better inform drivers of traffic conditions.
• Roadworks for New Cables: Laying cables for sensors and electronic signs.

Key Points:

• Narrow Lanes: From 8 PM Friday to 6 AM Monday, with speed limits reduced to 50 mph.
• Alternative Routes: M48 can be used as a bypass if signs indicate congestion.

<p class="pro-note">🚧 Note: Plan for slightly longer travel times due to reduced speed limits.</p>

M4 Junction 47-48: Emergency Services Training 🚑

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=M4+emergency+services+training" alt="Emergency Services Training on M4"> </div>

In an unusual scenario, the section between Junction 47 (Swansea East) and Junction 48 (Glan Llyn) will be closed for emergency services training exercises. This temporary closure is critical for:

• Coordination: Enhancing the coordination among different emergency response teams.
• Real-World Simulation: Training under conditions that mimic real accident scenarios.

Key Points:

• Full Closure: 8 AM to 12 PM on Sunday.
• Alternative Routes: Local roads such as A48 and A4240 can be used, but expect increased traffic.

M4 Junction 20-22: Wide Load Escort Operations 🚛

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=M4+wide+load+operations" alt="Wide Load Escort on M4"> </div>

Lastly, between Junction 20 (Almondsbury Interchange) and Junction 22 (M49), there will be scheduled wide load escort operations. These are necessary for transporting oversized vehicles and loads that cannot travel at standard speeds:

• Escort Services: Providing safe passage for these large transports.
• Temporary Lane Restrictions: To ensure wide loads have the space to navigate safely.

Key Points:

• Rolling Closures: Scheduled between 10 AM and 2 PM on Saturday.
• Alternative Routes: A46 and A38 are recommended for those avoiding the delay.

In closing, these scheduled M4 closures are essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of one of the UK's major motorways. While they might cause short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits to all users cannot be overstated. Here’s what you need to remember:

• Plan ahead: Know the times and locations of these closures to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Allow extra time: Traffic diversions can take longer, especially during peak travel times.
• Use alternative routes: When available, utilize suggested detours to streamline your journey.

With careful planning and awareness of these closures, you can mitigate potential impacts on your weekend travel, ensuring a smoother and safer trip for all.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long will the M4 Junction 2-3 closure last?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The closure is scheduled from 10 PM on Friday to 6 AM on Monday.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are the alternative routes during the Junction 25-26 traffic management upgrade?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can use the M48 as an alternative route if there are signs indicating congestion.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why is there a full closure for emergency services training on M4?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The full closure allows for realistic training exercises to simulate real-life emergency scenarios.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use my normal route on M4 Junction 20-22 on Saturday?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, but expect rolling closures for wide load escorts from 10 AM to 2 PM. Consider using alternative routes like A46 and A38.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>