The M4 will be closed to traffic throughout this weekend during major works near Wiltshire with “substantial disruption” expected.

The motorway will shut in both directions, between junction 18 at Bath and junction 19 at Bristol, from 7pm on Friday, October 18 until 6am on Monday, October 21.

Drivers heading west from Wiltshire will need to seek alternative routes and have been warned by National Highways to expect delays to their journeys.

A spokesperson added: “This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the South West. The closure is likely to cause substantial disruption.

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“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, please allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via the signed diversion routes.”

This closure will be in place to allow trenches to be dug under the motorway as part of the project to replace the A432 Badminton Road bridge, which has suffered accelerated deterioration and cracking.

The westbound diversion route will see drivers leave the M4 at junction 18 and follow the A46, A420, A4174, and M32 to junction 19.

The eastbound diversion route is the same in reverse.