Why are there 50mph speed limits on the M4 near Swindon?
The M4 is trending due to a £20 million project to repair an embankment and hard shoulder damaged by a landslide. To facilitate these works, National Highways has implemented 50mph speed limits and scheduled overnight closures.
What happened
- Earlier
A landslide damaged a 600-metre stretch of embankment, making the eastbound hard shoulder unusable [1], [3].
- 12-13 November, 20:00-06:00 GMT
Westbound overnight closures will occur to set up traffic management [1].
- Until 17 February
Two lanes will operate under 50mph speed restrictions [1].
- Autumn 2027
Work will begin to restore four motorway bridges once the embankment is fixed [1].
What you need to know
The works are located between junction 16 (Swindon West/Royal Wootton Bassett) and junction 17 (Chippenham) [1].
Contractors are moving 25,000 tonnes of earth and adding 19,500 tonnes of stone to stabilize the area [1].
HGVs are being diverted through Malmesbury and Cirencester during overnight closures [1].
National Highways expects the speed restrictions to add roughly two minutes to travel times [1].
It is not specified exactly which two lanes are subject to the 50mph limit, only that two lanes are affected [1].
Background
The project is part of a larger effort to maintain a strategic road network where many bridges and roads are approximately 60 years old and reaching the end of their lifespan [1].
The current phase focuses on stabilization using locally sourced stone and recycled concrete to ensure the route remains safe and reliable [1], [3].
Questions people ask
Will the bridge repairs affect trains?
National Highways stated that train services will not be affected by the bridge work [1].
What is the total cost of the project?
The investment for the embankment and bridge refurbishment scheme is £20 million [1], [3].
Where this came from
[1] bbc.com
M4 to be closed overnight for landslide repairs
Preview image from bbc.com
[2] uk.news.yahoo.com
Latest roadworks roundup reveals disruption for drivers in Swindon
Preview image from uk.news.yahoo.com
[3] geomechanics.io
National Highways, MJ Church M4 landslip: stabilisation and reuse notes for engineers
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