DRIVERS are facing disruption for several upcoming weekends as the M4 is expected to be closed to allow for bridge repairs.

National Highways will be carrying out repairs on the Burghfield Road Bridge including replacing the existing paint system and refurbishing the bridge bearings, to ensure it remains in a safe condition. 

This will close the westbound and eastbound motorway between Junction 11 Reading and Junction 12 at Theale.

Carriageway closures will be in effect in both directions.

These closures westbound are expected to take place in April and May. Further closures in both directions are expected to last on the M4 until July.

These closures will be in force overnight from 9pm to 6am with the exception of April 22 – April 26 which will begin at 8pm.

Traffic management will be put in place for late night drivers making their way from Reading to Theale on the M4 including two-way signal traffic lights.

Nick Axford, National Highways Project Manager expresses:  “This bridge maintenance is vital to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the M4. We advise everyone to plan their journeys accordingly and to stay updated by checking the National Highways webpage and Twitter/X for any updates. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out this maintenance.” 

 National Highways said closures are currently programmed for:

April

22-26 April - Westbound overnight full closures 

27-29 April - Westbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Saturday to 06:00 on Monday)

29-30 April - Westbound overnight full closures

May

1-16 May - Westbound overnight full closures

17-20 May - Westbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday)

20-23 May - Westbound overnight full closures

28-31 May - Westbound overnight full closures

June

3-7 June - Westbound overnight full closures

14-17 June - Eastbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday)

17-20 June - Eastbound overnight full closures

21-24 June - Eastbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday)

24-27 June - Eastbound overnight full closures

28-1 July - Westbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday)

July

1- 4 July - Westbound overnight full closures

5-8 July - Eastbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday)

8-11 July - Eastbound overnight full closures

12-15 July - Westbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday - contingency)

15-18 July - Westbound overnight full closures (contingency)

19-22 July - Eastbound full weekend closure (from 21:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday - contingency)

22-25 July - Eastbound overnight full closures (Contingency)

Do you have any thoughts on the closures listed above? We would like to hear from residents, businesses of drivers in the area who would like to share their thoughts on the M4 closures. As well as your thoughts on 'smart motorways' generally. Please get in touch with naomi.herring@newsquest.co.uk