Crucial motorway shut down in both directions TODAY sparking travel chaos for millions – check full diversion route

A MAJOR motorway has shut down in both directions affecting millions of journeys.

National Highways urged motorists to plan ahead after confirming the closure of a major motorway this weekend.

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The M4 is closed in both directions between junction 18 and 19.

The closure started at 7pm yesterday, and lasts until 6am October 21.

The disruption is planned due to maintenance work on the A432 Badminton Road Bridge.

A diversion route is in place, but drivers were warned to expect major congestion, and officials advised motorists to avoid the area if possible while the work is being done.

The Badminton Bridge is set to be demolished next year after an investigation found irreparable damage to the structure.

Officials revealed that demolition was considered the quickest and most economical approach.

During the closure, workers will build trenches beneath the motorway to divert utilities currently within the bridge.

If the planned work isn’t completed within the given timeframe, drivers could face another set of M4 closures from 7pm on October 25 to 6am on October 28.

Sean Walsh, National Highways route manager, previously said: “This is one of the busiest sections of the motorway in the South West which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible so they’re able to plan their journeys well in advance.

“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.”

It comes after Brit drivers were warned over ignoring a common road sign on smart motorways – with over 50,000 such incidents recorded since 2021.

And motorists have been left shocked after being stung by £8,000 fines every day on a smart motorway with a 60mph limit.