MOTORISTS are being warned that the demolition of a key motorway bridge between Yate and Bristol has been delayed by several months. 

It was announced last year that the overbridge at A432 Badminton Road, over the M4 between Yate and Bristol which previously closed due to safety concerns, was set to be demolished and replaced by a new bridge. 

The demolition date was planned for the summer or autumn, but National Highways have recently revealed that it won't be knocked down until March next year, months after the original date. 

This comes as the government-owned organisation opted to install a new bridge that it says would allow for smoother and safer journeys.

Plans over the last year have been underway for a new, 20-metre-wide bridge, that would reconnect South Gloucestershire communities and allow for more sustainable transport options to be considered.

Their investigations previously showed extensive cracking of the concrete and damage to the post-tensioning of the bridge. 

The project was expected to take about two years. 

Due to the condition of the current bridge, it has remained closed to limit any further damage during the design phase.

This recent development comes as new MP Claire Young wrote to the under secretary of state for local transport last week, saying that the ongoing closure 'is having a huge impact on residents and nearby businesses.'

In her letter, she said: "As the former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, I was one of the first to hear about the issues and worked hard with both highways officials and fellow cabinet members to ensure the disruption was minimised and where possible offset. 

"However the current situation is not sustainable. 

"As I am sure you can imagine, this has been a source of concern for many local residents and businesses. 

"I would be grateful if you could confirm what conversations your department has had with National Highways regarding this important safety work and what can be done to help speed up the delivery of a new bridge."

The recent update provided by National Highways read: "We are continuing to work with utility providers and other authorities to ensure services can be moved prior to demolition of the bridge.

"This work is due to start in October 2024, following the installation of the new routes under the M4.

"We’ve also been working with our construction partners to refine the programme for demolition and installation of the new bridge.

"We’ve reduced the amount of time needed for construction, meaning we’re able to continue to allow pedestrian and cyclists to use the bridge until we start preparing for demolition.

"We’re working towards a demolition date of March 2025, subject to the successful diversion of all utilities within the bridge.

"Over the recent weeks, work has focused on preparing both the temporary compound area and sections next to the structure.

"We have been working closely with South Gloucestershire Council to align any proposed work along the A432 and at the Wick Wick roundabout.

"You may also have seen a reduction in traffic management along the ring road following changes to road markings that should improve vehicle movements along the A4174."