M4 Closures - Bridge Repairs (J13-J14)

The following notification has been received from Highways England
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M4 Junctions 13 to 14 Wickham – Bridge Repairs
 
We’ll shortly be carrying out essential repairs to the bridge which carries the M4 over Welford Road (near Wickham, West Berkshire). During our inspections we have found that water is leaking through to the bridge joints and this needs to be repaired.
 
To ensure the bridge remains in a safe condition, work will include:

• reconstructing the central reservation
• replacing the joints across the M4 motorway
• replacing the waterproofing material below the road surface
• resurfacing the M4 across the bridge
• upgrading the safety barrier along the M4 verges

 
This work is currently scheduled to start on 14 May 2021 and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2021.
 
For the safety of our workforce and customers, the following traffic management restrictions will be in place on both the M4 eastbound and westbound, and on Welford Road beneath the bridge:
 
Welford Road
Whilst we are replacing the central reservation of the M4 above, we will close Welford Road from Monday 12 July through to Saturday 18 September 2021. A diversion will be in place via Welford Road, Rood Hill, High Street and the B4000.
 
Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists, and for emergency services.
 
M4 motorway
From Friday 14 May 2021 for up-to five weeks, there will be a 24/7 closure of the hard shoulder on both carriageways and overnight lane closures.
 
Then from Monday 21 June 2021 for up-to 12 weeks, 24/7 narrow lanes and an enforceable 50mph speed limit will be in place on both the westbound and eastbound carriageways. Free vehicle recovery will be available for anyone who breaks down in the narrow lanes.
 
Once the central reservation has been replaced, the narrow lanes will be removed, and the remaining activities will be done using full weekend closures of the M4 eastbound and westbound carriageways.
 
M4 weekend closures
To replace the central reservation, a large crane will be required, and we will need to close the entire motorway for the full weekend. A further weekend closure of the M4 will be required to replace the waterproofing material and surfacing. This is to allow enough time for the material to cure.
 
These weekend closures will be between junctions 13 and 14. The dates of the weekend closures are currently planned as follows:

• 9pm on Friday 30 July through to 6am on Monday 2 August
• 9pm on Friday 20 August through to 6am on Monday 23 August
• 9pm on Friday 10 September through to 6am on Monday 13 September (contingency)
• 9pm on Friday 24 September through to 6am on Monday 27 September
• 9pm on Friday 8 October through to 6am on Monday 11 October (contingency)

 
During these closures, signed diversions will be in place via the A338, A4 and A34.
 
All our work is weather dependent, particularly when using a large crane. We’ll advertise the closures on yellow signs placed in advance alongside the road, via the media and on our South-East Twitter feed @HighwaysSEAST.
 
We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption you may experience during this work.
 
If you have any questions, or if you would like to know about our work, please contact us on 0300 123 5000 or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit www.highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-east/south-east-maintenance-schemes/