M4 to partly close for 2 whole weekends as drivers told to start journeys earlier

Adam Toms
·2-min read
Vehicles pass along a recently completed section of the M4 smart motorway
Repairs mean multiple closers on the motorway during the spring -Credit:Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images


The M4 is set to partly close for two whole weekends and five nights. Drivers have been told to follow a diversion route signed and set off on their journeys earlier.

National Highways has released details of several upcoming overnight closures on the M4 between junction 11 Reading and 12 Theale taking place in Berkshire this Spring. The first are planned to start on April 22, requiring two planned full weekend closures along with five full overnight closures so motorists need to prepare for traffic building.

Works will be taking place on both the M4 Eastbound and Westbound carriageways between junction 11 and 12 and will allow bridge repairs including replacing the existing paint system and refurbishing the bridge bearings, to ensure it remains in a safe condition, officials say. The completion of the entire work is planned for late July.

READ MORE: Exactly when new wave of strikes to hit London trains as drivers set to walk out, ASLEF announce

Full list of closures

April

  • April 22 – 26: Westbound overnight full closures

  • April 27 - 29: Westbound full weekend closure (from 9pm Sat – 6am Mon)

  • April 29 - 30: Westbound overnight full closures

May

  • May 1 - 16: Westbound overnight full closures

  • May 17 - 20: Westbound full weekend closure (from 9pm Fri – 6am Mon)

  • May 20 - 23: Westbound overnight full closures

  • May 28 - 31: Westbound overnight full closures

Workmen prepare concrete foundations as part of roadworks
Works are due to take place on the M4 -Credit:Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Drivers have been advised to follow these diversions:

  • Westbound: signed diversions will be in place via M4 J11, onto A33, A4 and back on the M4 via J12

  • Eastbound: signed diversions will be in place via M4 J12, onto A4, A33 and back on the M4 via J11

Nick Axford, National Highways Project Manager said: This bridge maintenance is vital to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the M4. We advise everyone to plan their journeys accordingly and to stay updated by checking the National Highways webpage and Twitter/X for any updates. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out this maintenance.”

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