3 months of M4 roadworks

24 January 2011, 05:00 | Updated: 24 January 2011, 05:32

Maintenance work on a bridge over the M4 starts this week.

Highways managers say the work between junctions 8/9 and 7 is to make sure the bridge which carries the A330 over the motorway stays safe.

The scheme, which, weather permitting, will take roughly 12 weeks to complete, will involve strengthening the supports of the Ascot Road bridge.

Most of the work will take place overnight, when traffic flows are lowest, to minimise disruption, and will involve 24-hour narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit.

Steve Cobb, Highways Agency structures manager, said:

"Safety is our top priority. The scheme will involve using reinforced concrete walls to encase the lower part of the support columns; this will ensure the continued safety of the bridge.

"The work has been carefully planned to keep disruption to road users to a minimum. We would ask that drivers take extra care when travelling through the road works."

Most of the work will take place overnight, 10pm and 5.30am, when traffic flows are at their lowest. Some activities will be carried out during daytime hours.

Throughout the work there will be 24 hour narrow lane running on both the eastbound and westbound carriageway of the M4, with overnight lane closures on the slip roads at the M4 Junction 8/9 and the main carriageway. Three lanes will remain open on each carriageway during peak hours.

During the main phase of work there will be a speed restriction of 50mph, enforced by average speed cameras."