M4 closure scheme addresses Wiltshire landslide damage

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 13:59 · Archive

National Highways is implementing a major improvement scheme on the M4 in Wiltshire from October through February to address landslide damage.

National Highways has announced a major improvement scheme on the M4 in Wiltshire running from October 5 through February. The project addresses damage from a landslide earlier this year that rendered part of the eastbound hard shoulder between Junctions 16 and 17 unusable.

From now until November 5, both the M4 east and westbound carriageways between Junctions 16 and 17 will have overnight lane closures from 8pm to 6am for vegetation clearance. The M4 eastbound will also have a daytime hard shoulder closure during this period.

On November 12 to 13, the M4 westbound junctions 16 to 17 will be closed overnight to install two lanes and the 50mph speed limit. From November 13, 2026, to February 17, 2027, the westbound section between Junctions 16 and 17 will have the hard shoulder and lane 1 closed with a 50mph limit in place.

At times during the project, the motorway will be reduced to two lanes with a contraflow system. A 50mph speed limit will remain in place around the clock from November 13 to February 17 for the safety of both drivers and the workforce.

Drivers have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly during peak hours, as minor delays are expected. The diversion route for westbound traffic will direct drivers through Royal Wootton Bassett via the A3102, then along the A4 to Chippenham, and onto the A350 to the Junction 17 roundabout.

How it is being reported

• Full details about closures and diversions during major M4 projectMore details have emerged about a major improvement scheme on the M4 in Wiltshire.Swindon Advertiser · 22 Oct, 11:13
• Full details about closures and diversions during major M4 projectMore details have emerged about a major improvement scheme on the M4 in Wiltshire.Gazette & Herald · 22 Oct, 11:13
• Full details about closures and diversions during major M4 projectMore details have emerged about a major improvement scheme on the M4 in Wiltshire.Wiltshire Times · 22 Oct, 11:13

In this story: National Highways · M4 · Wiltshire · Junction 16 · Junction 17 · Royal Wootton Bassett · Chippenham

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