M4 junction roadworks causing traffic to continue for weeks

Drivers were hit by huge queues on the A350 approaching junction 17 of the M4, during the morning of Wednesday, May 8, with traffic stretching back towards the Malmesbury Roundabout at Chippenham.

The congestion was caused by National Highways works at the junction, where a structural inspection, survey work, and resurfacing are taking place on the western section of the roundabout.

READ MORE: M4 traffic: Roadworks at junction 17 roundabout cause delays

Traffic on the A350 queued back from junction 17 of the M4 (Image: Newsquest)

To allow this work to be completed, a full closure of lane two on the west bridge deck was implemented on Wednesday, May 8, and is scheduled to be in place until Thursday, May 16.

This will be followed by a full closure of lane one on the bridge, from Saturday, May 18, until Friday, May 31.

During this time extensive investigation and survey work will be carried out on the bridge alongside a “safety critical” resurfacing scheme.

A full overnight closure, between 7pm and 6am, was also enforced on Monday, May 7, for extensive resurfacing work to the road.

During this closure, motorists were unable to access the M4 eastbound and the A429 at junction 17.

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Three more full closures will be carried out across the month, on the nights of  May 16, 17, and 31.

Signed diversion routes will be in place during these closures.

Once works are completed on the western side of the bridge, works will begin on the eastern side and are scheduled to start in early June.

An exact date for this stage of the project has not been confirmed.

National Highways says the scheme is being carried out to inspect the post tension structure at the junction.

Senior project manager, Clare Bond said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we are undertaking extensive and detailed investigation and survey work, along with safety critical resurfacing, on the west bridge deck on the M4 junction 17.

“This is a complex process, we are working with partners to complete the work as quickly as possible and in the meantime we advise people to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

“We appreciate roadworks can be frustrating, we thank drivers for their patience while we carry out this essential work and we will continue to work with Wiltshire Council to help manage the impact of the closures and traffic management.”