The M4 will close for an entire weekend during major works near Wiltshire, with drivers warned to expect disruption.

National Highways has warned that the motorway will shut in both directions between junction 18 at Bath and junction 19 at Bristol as part of the A342 Badminton Road Bridge project.

The closure will be in place from 7pm on Friday, October 18 until 6am on Monday, October 21, during which time a trench will be dug under the carriageway.

This is likely to affect Wiltshire drivers, with between 3,000 and 4,000 vehicles using this section of the M4 every hour over peak weekend periods.

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The trench will allow utilities within the bridge to be diverted before its demolition, due to accelerated deterioration, next year.

National Highways route manager Sean Walsh said: “This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the southwest which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible.

“We carefully plan our schemes to limit any inconvenience, but sometimes it's not possible to carry out the work that's needed without a closure.

“Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can – if that's not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes and expect delays.”