The link from the M4 westbound to the M5 northbound at Almondsbury Interchange closed at 10pm on Sunday 11 October. It will remain closed around the clock until early December. National Highways has begun £4.5 million of permanent repairs at this 60-year-old junction. These follow temporary emergency fixes carried out earlier in 2024.
Two phases, two diversions
The first phase closes the M4 westbound to M5 northbound link 24/7. Traffic is diverted south on the M5 to junction 16 to turn around. National Highways expects this adds about four minutes for drivers off-peak. Junction 16 and nearby M4 junction 22 may see heavier traffic during this period. Drivers can also consider alternative routes via M48 junction 1 at Aust or M4 junction 22 at Pilning.
The second phase starts in mid-December and runs until February 2027. It will close the M4 eastbound to M5 southbound link 24/7. Traffic will be diverted north on the M5 to junction 14, adding approximately 15 minutes off-peak. This phase is likely to increase pressure on M4 junction 19 and M32 junction 1.
Repair scope and challenges
Work includes lighting upgrades, camera installation, concrete repairs, waterproofing, safety barrier renewal, bridge joint replacement, resurfacing, drainage, road markings and stud fitting. Much of the existing infrastructure dates back to the interchange’s opening in September 1966, reaching the end of its service life.
Bridge joints are the gaps that allow expansion and contraction of the bridge deck with temperature changes. Waterproofing lies beneath the road surface to prevent water ingress into the concrete below. Accessing both requires lifting the surfacing first. This explains why the work is bundled into long full closures rather than several shorter ones.
National Highways’ contractors operate two shifts daily, seven days a week, to complete the repairs swiftly and safely.
Impact on drivers and advice
The Almondsbury Interchange links the M4 and M5, serving Bristol, Aztec West, Cribbs Causeway and the Severn Bridges. National Highways advises drivers to consider avoiding the interchange during peak times. For long-distance journeys, alternative transport methods are recommended where possible.
A spokesperson said: “We understand this work will be disruptive and have planned out work to ensure the repairs are completed as quickly and safely as possible.”
This permanent repair programme aims to prevent future emergency closures. The junction required emergency patching earlier in 2024.
Wider context
Bridge joints are also behind current repairs on the M25 near Heathrow, where 40-year-old expansion joints are being replaced. National Highways has not disclosed the contractor for the Almondsbury scheme.
Until early December, the direct slip road from M4 westbound to M5 northbound is fully closed with a signed diversion. After that, from mid-December, a longer signed diversion applies for traffic from M4 eastbound to M5 southbound.
