NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 motorway will be demolished.
The government agency says the bridge, which was condemned and closed to all motor traffic last year, after engineers found “structural failures” during a routine inspection, will not now be removed until next March.
It says this is because the amount of time needed for construction of the new bridge has been reduced, which means the old one can stay open to pedestrians and cyclists for longer.
National Highways issued an update on the plans yesterday.
The agency said: “We’re continuing to work with utility providers and other authorities to ensure services can be moved prior to demolition of the bridge.
“This work is due to start in October 2024, following the installation of the new routes under the M4.
“We’ve also been working with our construction partners to refine the programme for demolition and installation of the new bridge.
“We’ve reduced the amount of time needed for construction, meaning we’re able to continue to allow pedestrian and cyclists to use the bridge until we start preparing for demolition.
“We’re working towards a demolition date of March 2025, subject to the successful diversion of all utilities within the bridge.”
Workers have been clearing vegetation next to the bridge and a temporary compound.
National Highways said: “We’ve also implemented environmental mitigation measures to protect wildlife in the area. Once work is complete, the compound will be removed, and the area returned to an improved condition.
“Over the coming weeks, work will focus on preparing both the temporary compound area and sections next to the structure.
“Some temporary units will soon be arriving to provide our workforce with welfare facilities while the compound area is set up.
“We’re working closely with South Gloucestershire Council to align any proposed work along the A432 and at the Wick Wick roundabout.
“You may also see a reduction in traffic management along the ring road, following changes to road markings that should improve vehicle movements along the A4174.”
The M4 will be closed between Hambrook and Tormarton as part of the work overnight on August 15 and September 12.
The bridge, carring the main road between Yate and Bristol, was being used by around 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed in July last year, severing the A432 between Cuckoo Lane and the Avon Ring Road for motor traffic.
Around 87,000 vehicles a day pass underneath it on the M4.
The replacement bridge is scheduled to open in early 2026.