South West - Maintenance schemes

The A36 is the most direct route from Bath to Southampton. It's mainly single carriageway and runs for approximately 63 miles through various villages, towns and cities. Parts of the route date back to Roman times.

Cracking has been observed in the southbound section of the footpath running between Limpley Stoke and Monkton Coombe. The extent of the cracking lies within the Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire boundaries. We're currently carrying out detailed surveys to fully understand the scale of the geological defect and monitor movement and groundwater levels within the slope. Safety is our number one priority and traffic management will remain in place to safeguard pedestrians and motorists until our surveys are complete.

A36 Limpley Stoke - March 2022 update

A36 Limpley Stoke - February 2023 update

A38 Glynn Valley will be closed overnight for routine maintenance from 8.30pm in the evening to 6am the following morning:

2023

• 13 to 17 November

2024

• 18 to 22 March

Please note these dates may be subject to change.

While overnight closures are in place, please use the following diversion:

Saltash Tunnel will be closed overnight for routine maintenance from 8pm in the evening to 6am the following morning:

2023

• July 11, 12 and 13

2024

• January 9, 10 and 11
• April 9, 10 and 11

Please note these dates may be subject to change.

As part of our commitment to safety and air quality we will shortly begin works to permamently reduce the speed limit between Saltash tunnel and Carkeel roundabout, from 70mph to 50mph. Average speed cameras will be installed to enforce the 30 mph through the tunnel and we’ll also install average speed cameras on the diversion route through Saltash (the B3271, North Road).

This stretch of the A38 is prone to a high number of shunts and near misses as motorists try to reduce speed on the approach to the tunnel or roundabout. Reducing the speed limit will improve safety and alleviate the need for heavy braking, which in turn should improve air quality.

This is part of a larger package of work affecting Saltash Tunnel, we’ll write with further details nearer the time.

Traffic management

We’ll work overnight Monday to Friday when traffic flows are lowest. Work will take place from 8pm in the evening to 6am the following morning.

• 18 to 30 September – overnight closures of Saltash tunnel
• 2 to 24 October – overnight closures of Saltash tunnel and up to Carkeel roundabout
• 25 October to 7 November – overnight 2-way traffic lights will be in place on the B3271/North Road
• 8 November to 20 December 2023 – overnight closures of Saltash tunnel and up to Carkeel roundabout & 2-way traffic lights will be in place on the B3271/North Road

We always aim to work to the programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes.

Please note: all enquiries should be directed to National Highways, and not to Tamar Bridge which is independently owned and operated by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Councils.

UPDATE: October 2023

M4 J18 to J19 overnight closures – 8pm to 6am the following morning, subject to traffic flow:

• Tuesday 17 October 2023
• Thursday 16 November 2023
• Thursday 14 December 2023
• Thursday 11 January 2024

A diversion will be in place via:

• Westbound via the A46 up to the A420 and back onto the M32 via the A4174
• Eastbound in reverse

September 2023 - Free shuttle bus

A free shuttle bus service will be introduced Thursday 14 September 2023.

National Highways is funding the free service for communities affected by the closure of the bridge. Bus operator Transpora have agreed the route from Yate Park & Ride, along the A432 to the bridge closure. It is then a short five-minute walk over the bridge to access additional bus services.

The free all-day service will operate every 30 minutes from 7am-7pm Monday to Friday from September 14. This trial will initially run until the end of December.

Full details can be found here

UPDATE: September 2023

On Wednesday 31/08/23 National Highways invited the co-leaders of South Gloucestershire Council, Councillors Claire Young and Ian Scott, to observe first-hand the ongoing investigation work at the A432 M4 overbridge and why we’ve taken the very unusual step to close the bridge.

During the visit we were able to show Councillors the technology we’re using to monitor the accelerating deterioration on the bridge deck and our engineers also took them under the bridge to inspect cracking to the underside of the deck. This gave an insight into conditions working near a live motorway and the need to work at night when traffic flows are lower. You can find out more here

Investigation work will continue until approximately the end of the first week in September. Work will then be paused on site to allow  the outputs of the investigation to be  analysed in detail in our offices and laboratories.

Options development work will take place in  parallel with analysis where possible, and we anticipate a decision on next steps in December.  The council will included in discussions and kept fully informed as matters progress. During this time, we will fund a shuttlebus to mitigate some of the disruption to public transport on the A432.

We understand people’s frustration at the disruption in the locality and we appreciate your patience as we work towards a solution.

For more information on how this will affect local traffic, please visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/a432-badminton-road-m4-overbridge-closure 

Scroll down for a list of frequently asked questions.

UPDATE: August 2023

We’re continuing our survey work and will begin the next stage of our assessments on 7 August. We’re working overnight, Monday to Friday, when traffic flows on the M4 below the bridge are at their lowest. Our works will mean there will be some closures on the M4 (see below). There may be increased noise, where possible we’ll complete noisiest works before 11pm.

Please accept our apologies in advance for any disruption this will cause.

Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists.

Traffic management

The bridge will be closed 24/7 to motorists until further notice.

• 7 to 14 August - M4 will be closed overnight between junctions 18 and 19 for safety reasons. The M4 will be open as usual during the day.

To reduce congestion and delays, drivers are advised to use the following diversions for the A432 Badminton Road closure:  

• Northbound via the B4465 Westerleigh Road up to A46 and into Yate via A432
• Southbound in reverse

For the closure of the M4, we would encourage all traffic to use the following diversions:

• Westbound via the A46 up to the A420 and back onto the M32 via A4174
• Eastbound in reverse

We would advise all motorists to use the A420 and A46 for Yate from the Hicks Gate direction on the A4174, and motorway users to use the M4 junction 18 for Yate, rather than the M32 and A4174.

----------------II-------------------

12 July 2023

The bridge was temporarily closed from 7pm 12 July 2023, to enable detailed structural investigations to continue.

Our recent survey work revealed accelerated deterioration and cracking to the southeast underside of the structure. Further investigations are beginning to reveal the full extent of the work required and the earliest a decision can be made regarding future restrictions is likely to be December 2023.    We’re monitoring and investigating both the underside and top deck of the bridge, so work may not always be visible.

Until investigations and assessments of the bridge are completed, the bridge will remain closed to all motorists for safety reasons. 

Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists.

To reduce congestion and delays, drivers are advised to use the following diversions:   

• Northbound via the B4465 Westerleigh Road up to A46 and into Yate via A432 
• Southbound in reverse 

National Highways is also encouraging all traffic to use the A420 and A46 for Yate from the Hicks Gate direction on the A4174, and motorway users to use the M4 junction 18 for Yate, rather than the M32 and A4174. 

Thank you for your patience while this important safety work is carried out.

Q & A

Why have you closed the bridge? 

During the current structural inspection, accelerated deterioration and cracking to the southeast underside of the structure was identified. We have therefore made the decision to close the structure as this will limit any further damage whilst we undertake detailed investigations into the nature and extent of the defects and assess their impact on the structure. 

How long will it take? 

The further investigation works and assessment of the structures condition will take time to complete during which the structure will remain closed to all vehicular traffic. The earliest that a decision can be made regarding future restrictions is likely to be December 2023. 

Why will it take so long? 

The structural investigations are detailed and specialist, and works are being undertaken by specialist contractors. The works involve identifying potential defects using digital scanning and then drilling into the structure to check the condition of the post-tensioning system using a range of techniques. We are currently working on the underside of the structure at night under lane closures on the M4 and are looking to accelerate the topside works, before assessing the data and looking at all available options for the future of the structure. 

When did you first find cracking? 

Many structures have cracks in them for much of their life – this is not unusual. The general approach is to monitor and manage the situation, much as you might monitor a crack in a ceiling. We employ a rigorous inspection regime that has identified sudden and accelerating deterioration. Over time the situation has worsened but nothing in previous inspections indicated any compromise to the structure.  

Why did you not act sooner? 

At various stages through the life of the structure it has been subjected to investigations into the causes of the cracking, none of these have raised concerns regarding the integrity of the structure.   

Do you inspect bridges often enough? 

Yes, we inspect in line with industry standards, with detailed inspections every six years, and general inspections every two years.  

What type of bridge is this? 

The bridge is a 3-span reinforced concrete post-tensioned structure.  Post-tensioning is a technique used for reinforcing concrete structures and is a way of producing thinner more efficient structures with longer spans. Steel post-tensioning cables run through the bridge inside steel ducts.  The ducts are positioned in forms prior to concrete being poured.  Once the concrete has been poured and gained strength, the cables are pulled tight or tensioned, and anchored against the outer edges of the concrete.  The ducts are then grouted to protect the steel tendons against corrosion and to help with the transfer of compressive forces to the structure.   

Is it dangerous to the M4 below? 

The full closure of the bridge and removing traffic from it will minimise the risk to the M4 below. In addition, we will inspect on a daily basis. If required we will close lanes on the M4 to ensure safety.  

How much is this costing? 

Until the investigation and assessment works are complete we are unable to say.  

Why can’t I see any work going on? 

Work is currently taking place overnight on the underside of the bridge, with lane closures in place on the M4 below. The work will become more visible when we start to work on the  topside.

Can emergency services use the bridge? 

We’re working really closely with the emergency services in the area to make sure they are aware of the situation. For the safety of those using the M4 below, emergency services will be unable to use the bridge. This is at the forefront of our minds and we’re doing everything we can to support the emergency services during this investigation and assessment work. 

Bridges crossing the M49 are managed and maintained by National Highways. Following routine inspection, bridge joint defects have been found in the A403 Severn Road and the Kings Weston Lane (east) bridge decks.  Traffic lights and lane closures are in place 24/7 while we carry out further investigations and assessments. Traffic lights will be manned at peak periods to minimise disruption. This area is experiencing increased congestion, please allow extra time for your journey or use an alternative route. Thank you in advance for your patience while these essential investigations are carried out.

Check back to this page or follow us on X @HighwaysSWEST for updates

Bamfurlong Lane bridge refurbishment has been completed early and will be open to traffic on the evening of Tuesday 14 November.

Bamfurlong Lane bridge crosses the M5 to the north of J11 and is in need of substantial refurbishment. We’ll need to close the bridge 24/7 while these essential safety works are in progress. Access to residential properties and businesses will be maintained at both ends of the bridge and a local diversion route via the B4063 has been agreed with Gloucestershire County Council.

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - October 2022

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - January 2023

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - March 2023

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - May 2023

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - June 2023

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - August 2023

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - October 2023

Bamfurlong Lane newsletter - November 2023

The M5 junction 11A exit slip and the two bridge structures which support it, are in need of extensive refurbishment. Works to the bridge structures (Roman Villa and Pitmill) will include waterproofing, surfacing, expansion joint replacement and repairs to the concrete. We'll also resurface the exit slip and the M5 between junctions 11 and 12.

We’ve organised the work as a package – reducing how long we'll be on the road and enabling our contractors to share resources and cut costs. 

These works have been planned to avoid peak getaway seasons and will be completed ahead of Christmas.

M5 junction 11 to 12 resurfacing work - 4 September to 10 October 2023

Work will take place overnight Monday to Friday

• 4 September to 19 September – M5 southbound J11 to J11a, overnight, Monday to Friday, plus Saturday 9 September. Lane closures including slip closures at J11a from 8pm to 6am. Please note, closure times are subject to traffic flow and may vary depending on volume of traffic. Locally signed diversions will be in place.
• 18 September to 30 September – M5 northbound J12 to J11a, overnight, Monday to Friday. Lane closures including off on closures and slip closures and J12. Please note, closure times are subject to traffic flow and may vary depending on volume of traffic. Locally signed diversions will be in place.
• 26 September to 10 October – M5 southbound J11a to J12, overnight, Monday to Friday. Lane closures from 7:30pm to 6am. Please note, closure times are subject to traffic flow and may vary depending on volume of traffic.

Junction 11A northbound exit slip - 17 September to before Christmas 2023

The exit slip will be fully closed for the duration of the work.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on Churchdown Lane for 2 weeks from the 2 October while we complete works on the overhead structure.

Diversions 

• Eastbound - traffic wishing to travel eastbound on the A417 and access Gloucester Business Park should continue north on the M5, exit at junction 11 and use Golden Valley interchange to travel south to junction 11A, to rejoin the A417 at Brockworth interchange roundabout. 
• Westbound – traffic wishing to travel westbound to Gloucester should continue north exit at junction 11 Golden Valley, join the A46 westbound, then take the A417 southbound to Barnett Way roundabout.

We encourage drivers to use the signed diversion routes, which have been agreed by the local council, to avoid weight and height restrictions on local roads in the area. This will help ease noise and traffic disruption for residents.

We anticipate M5 junction 11 will see increased traffic flow while this closure is in place.

The M5 J19 to J21 will be closed overnight in both directions to allow us to carry out survey and patching works.  These surveys will inform a larger package of work which will take place next year.

We’ll work overnight Monday to Friday when traffic flows are at their lowest. During the overnight closures we would ask all drivers to follow the signed diversion route via the A370 and A4. We have liaised with Bristol City Council to ensure that drivers who remain on the official diversion route are exempt from the clean air zone charge, signage will be in place.

Traffic management

• 23 to 26 October – overnight closures 10pm to 6am the following morning. Lane closures beginning at 8pm, subject to traffic flow. During the day the motorway will be open as usual.
  • Northbound M5 J21 to J19/18 - All vehicles will be diverted off the M5 at J21. Light vehicles will rejoin at J19, HGV’s will rejoin at J18
  • Southbound M5 J19/18 to J21 - HGV’s will be diverted off the M5 at J18, light vehicles will be diverted off at J19, all vehicles will re-join at J21

The following works will also take place on the hard shoulder

• 16 to 20 October – daytime surveys J20 to J21
• 30 October to 1 December – a combination of both day and night time survey works will take place J20 to J21. Overnight southbound lane closures may be needed

We always aim to work to the programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes.