THE M4 will be closed overnight this weekend between Swindon and Chippenham for the installation of a bridge.

The motorway will be closed overnight on Saturday into Sunday from Junctions 16 (West Swindon) to 17 (Chippenham) to allow contractors to install a new overbridge at Summerlands.

The new bridge will be installed between 7pm on Saturday and 10am on the Sunday. During this time the motorway will be closed in both directions and traffic diverted.

The previous concrete bridge was demolished in February this year having reached the end of its life.

Highways Agency project manager Dave Frampton said: “The previous structure was one of several bridges built in the early 1970s which need to be replaced as they are reaching the end of the working lives.

“Although we are fully closing the M4, we’re doing it at a time when traffic flows are lower, so that we limit any delays for road users.

“After the installation, narrow lanes and 50 mph speed limit will be removed by Tuesday, May 25. After this date, traffic management will be limited to off-peak lane one and hard shoulder closures until the work is completed in September".

During the overnight closures, traffic will be diverted between junctions 16 and 17 via the A429 and the B4042 via Malmesbury. Heavy vehicles will be diverted along the A3102, A4 and A350 via Calne and Chippenham.