A432 bridge replacement works due to begin
The A432 overbridge, which spans the M4 in South Gloucestershire, is set to be replaced by National Highways.
Following its closure in June, detailed and specialist inspections of the bridge have revealed neither strengthening nor refurbishing work would provide a long-term solution.
Both options would take a similar amount of time to complete as a full replacement of the structure, but would only extend the bridge’s lifespan for a limited time.
Instead, the government-owned organisation is opting to install a new bridge that will allow for smoother and safer journeys.
Plans are now underway for a new, 20-metre-wide bridge, that will reconnect South Gloucestershire communities and allow for more sustainable transport options to be considered.
Sean Walsh, Route Manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and our extensive and detailed investigations show that we now need to demolish and replace the bridge.
“As you will appreciate this is an expensive complex process and we are working with partners to expedite the process as quickly as possible.
“We fully understand the disruption the closure has and will cause, and we thank people for their patience as we move this project forward as soon as possible.
“We will continue to work with South Gloucestershire Council to help manage the impact of the closure and to progress with the bridge replacement.”
The project is expected to take about two years. Due to the condition of the current bridge, it will need to remain closed to limit any further damage during the design phase.
Demolition is planned for summer/autumn 2024.
Detailed intrusive investigations have shown extensive cracking of the concrete and damage to the post-tensioning system that has reduced the bridge’s ability to carry traffic without sustaining more damage.
Due to timescales and costs, it is also not possible to install a temporary bridge during the works.
Prior to demolition of the bridge, National Highways will need to divert services embedded in the structure, including a water main, high voltage cables, fibre optics cables, and a gas main.
From January 2024, local residents will see activity on site starting with ecological surveys and vegetation clearance to establish works compounds. It’s hoped construction of the new bridge will be completed in 2025.
National Highways has already engaged with designers and is working with South Gloucestershire Council to consider any sustainable transport opportunities that the new bridge may provide.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Leader Councillor Claire Young added: “We understand how frustrating this closure will be for residents, however do recognise that it is essential that National Highways carry out this work for the safety of all bridge and motorway users.
“Our highways team is working closely with National Highways and will continue to work to keep traffic moving as freely as possible around the area.
Diversion routes, agreed with the local authority, will continue to be fully signed during the closure. All planned works may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances
Drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio, the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com
For more details on National Highways’ work in the South West go to https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/south-west/
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
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