These essential works on five sections of Margam Bridge will be completed in phases over a period of six months and are essential to maintain safety and prevent deterioration.
Five bridge structures on the M4 between Junctions 37 and 38 need to be refurbished. The works will include:
• waterproofing,
• concrete repairs,
• new expansion joints,
• drainage clearance and surfacing.
Waterproofing (along with associated concrete repairs) is essential in protecting the underlying structure, maintaining the life of the structure and prolongs the life of the road. This work is essential to maintain safety and prevent deterioration. Planned refurbishment works help to prevent the need for unplanned reactive maintenance works.
Works will begin in June and are expected to continue until the end of November 2025. The programme is weather-dependent and may be adjusted based on site conditions.
The majority of the works, particularly the concrete repairs and waterproofing are weather dependent activities. The works require dry and warmer weather to be carried out effectively and efficiently.
A small number of overnight closures in both directions are necessary in order to set up, change, and remove traffic management. The works will be completed in phases, with traffic maintained at two lanes in each direction. Traffic will run via either:
- A contraflow system, or
- A layout using the hard shoulder and lane 1.
The implementation of a contraflow system allows unhindered access to one side of each bridge, allowing the works to be undertaken as efficiently as possible.
The temporary speed limits are implemented to ensure driver and worker safety through the work zone . Reduced speeds help protect road users travelling over planed or partially resurfaced areas. It also allows works to proceed safely and efficiently within narrow lane setups.
The road will remain open with two running lanes in both directions for the majority of the works programme. Closures will be limited to overnight only and will be well-signposted in advance. A free recovery service will be in place for the full duration of the works.
Some noise is unavoidable during construction activities such as planing and resurfacing. Every effort will be made to reduce noise, and noisy tasks will be completed as quickly as possible. Noise levels will be similar to regular motorway traffic where possible.
Traffic management will remain in place 24/7 to safely protect the work areas. The contractor will be working during daytime hours only to ensure better visibility, safer conditions, and higher quality of work. Certain activities, particularly those involving concrete repairs and waterproofing on elevated structures, are not suitable or safe to complete at night. In addition to safety, the works involve allowing sufficient curing times for materials prior to moving on to the next stage, therefore there will be times within the programme where pauses in physical works will be inevitable. Noise restrictions also prevent certain operations from being carried out overnight.