Work has started today on the refurbishment of a bridge on the M4 that could cause traffic delays for up to three months.
The scheme to repair the Broome Manor Lane overbridge, which crosses the M4 between junctions 15 and 16, will see the road and footway closed to all traffic, including cyclists and walkers.
Highways England said some M4 lanes could be closed overnight while the work takes place to repair the deck and edge beams, replace bridge joints and build a waterproof replacement over the structure.
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The work is scheduled to be complete by mid-June, with traffic diverted in the meanwhile via the B4005 (Hodson Road, Brimble Hill and Marlborough Road), A4361 (Moormead Road, Swindon Road and Croft Road) and B4006 Pipers Way.
The announcement comes as Highways England confirmed its multimillion-pound scheme to build new lanes on the M4 near Swindon is on track to open to traffic in October.
The £17m programme of works, which started in August 2020, is aimed at tackling congestion at junction 15 and on the A419, and improving local road access from the motorway.
Highways England is working with Swindon Borough Council, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership and developers Persimmon and Redrow on the project.
On the A419 southbound, the earthworks and a new embankment to support the new lane to the M4 eastbound are almost complete, Highways England said, while the northbound diversion of services by Openreach and Thames Water are set to be “finished soon”.
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The new layout also includes the widening of the inner roundabout, which is due to take place later in the spring.
The next phase will include work on traffic signals and street lighting on the junction and on drainage, road construction, and noise and safety fencing. New access for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will also be installed under Day House Lane bridge.
Mark Fox, South West head of scheme delivery for Highways England, said: “Our roads are vital and these improvements at junction 15 of the M4 will ultimately improve journeys and unlock local economic growth.
“Despite the winter weather and Covid restrictions, we have made great progress on the scheme so far, with the road set to be open to motorists from October.
“As the scheme progresses, we will make every effort to ensure that the impact on the local community is kept to an absolute minimum, and we will communicate any changes via roadside signage.”
The scheme is being jointly funded by Highways England, which has invested £5m into the project from its Growth and Housing Fund, and Swindon Borough Council (£4.8m), Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (£3m) and Persimmon and Redrow (£4.35m).
The upgrade follows the start of two major Swindon Borough Council schemes – the Wichelstowe underpass project further west near M4 junction 16, and improvement work at the White Hart junction - a link between the A419 and A420.
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The M4 Junction 15 programme includes:
- widening of the southbound carriageway between Commonhead roundabout and M4 Junction 15, providing a dedicated left lane for London-bound traffic;
- widening of the M4 Junction 15 northbound exit to the A419;
- improving the A346/Marlborough Road entry;
- widening of the M4 Junction 15 eastbound exit-slip;
- M4 Junction 15 westbound exit-slip road, lengthening of the three-lane section;
- widening the M4 Junction 15 southbound gyratory;
- upgrade of existing footpaths.
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Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, transport and planning, said: “The improvements to the motorway junction will make a huge difference to motorists and local residents when complete and will greatly benefit local businesses and our economy as it will provide a huge boost to our already excellent transport links.”
Paddy Bradley, chief executive of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “It is encouraging to see that the work on the M4 Junction 15 is progressing to the ultimate benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.
“This scheme, supported by the SWLEP’s Local Growth Fund, will support sustainable economic growth in Swindon and is of significant strategic importance to the wider area."