M4 smart motorway project enters new phase

The M4 smart motorway project enters a new phase with the construction of eleven new motorway bridges along a 32 mile stretch of highway between London and Reading in Berkshire.

Plans for the upgrading of the highway, to a smart motorway status, entail the introduction of four lane roads in either direction in addition to smart technology which will manage traffic while also tackling frustrating stop-start technology.

Work commenced on this project approximately one year ago while demolition of the first four bridges, in this current stage of the process, will begin at the end of September as the existing bridges are only wide enough to accommodate for a two lane highway and a four lane road like those which are scheduled.

The bridges will be replaced over the course of September and November between the M25 at junction 4b on the M4 and Maidenhead at junction eight/nine, with the specific bridges being replaced including: the Recreation Ground bridge, Marsh Lane bridge, Huntercombe Spur bridge, and Monkey Island Lane bridge.

The Delivery Director at Highways England, Mike Grant stated: “Since construction started last year, we have been making great progress with this crucial upgrade of the M4 to a smart motorway. Once complete, it will provide a huge economic boost by tackling congestion and improving journey times for the 130,000 drivers using the route each day.

“Replacing these bridges is a vital and complex part of the project. We are planning each demolition very carefully to keep delays to a minimum and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience as we look forward to completing the upgrade which will make a massive difference to people’s journeys.”

Work on the M4 smart motorway project will continue throughout 2020 and 2021, with construction reaching completion in the spring of 2022.

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