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Government Communications (NDS)

18 February 2011

M4 Junction 18 eastbound exit slip roadDue to work to be undertaken by the Highways Agency, the M4 eastbound exit slip road at Junction 18 will be closed overnight on the 11 March 2011 to allow resurfacing work to be undertaken. During the overnight closure, traffic wishing to leave the M4 eastbound at this junction should remain on the M4 to Junction 17 and then turn to join the M4 westbound and return to Junction 18 to leave the motorway via the westbound exit slip road.M5 Junction 18 southbound entry slip roadOn the 14 March the connecting road and southbound entry slip road on the M5 at Junction 18 will closed overnight to allow bridge inspection works to be carried out. During the overnight closure, traffic wishing to join the M5 southbound will be diverted south from St Brendan’s Roundabout on the A4 to Portway Roundabout and then take the ‘V’ loop to join the M5 northbound at Junction 18. Traffic will then travel north to Junction 17 and turn to join the M5 southbound.M48 Junction 1 and M4 Junction 22 to Moor Lane OverbridgeWorks scheduled to start on 21 March and to take place over four nights will see the overnight closure of the following roads:the eastbound carriageway of the M48 Motorway from the tip of the nosing of the eastbound exit slip road at Junction 1 to Moor Lane Overbridgethe eastbound carriageway of the M4 Motorway from the tip of the nosing of the eastbound exit slip road at Junction 22 to Moor Lane Overbridgethe eastbound entry slip road at M48 Junction 1the eastbound entry slip road at M4 Junction 22.There will also be a temporary mandatory 50 miles per hour speed limit overnight on the M48 Motorway over the same length as described above, as well as hard shoulder running and lane closures through the works. These measures are in the interests of road safety while contractors carry out resurfacing works. During the overnight closure of the carriageways and slip roads described above, traffic will be diverted south on either the M49 from M4 Junction 22 or the A403 from M48 Junction 1 to Avonmouth where traffic will join the M5 northbound to Almondsbury Interchange (M4 Junction 20) to continue their journeys. A4 Portway Roundabout Signals UpgradeWork started on 14 February to replace the existing signals on the Portway roundabout at Avonmouth. The existing signals are being completely replaced and an intelligent control system is being incorporated to improve traffic flow through the junction. Installation of the equipment will require excavation works to construct underground ducting and foundations for the new signal poles. To minimise disruption to road users, works are being carried out off peak only. Construction is planned to continue for approximately 17 weeks.M5 Junction 19, Gordano/Portishead, SomersetThe Highways Agency began work on 14 February to widen and improve the M5 Junction 19 Northbound slip road. The majority of the work will be carried out without any impact on the road other than the introduction of a temporary 50mph speed limit. However, northbound entry slip road closures are required for barrier work at the beginning and surfacing at the end. This will take place overnight on approximately seven dates, date and timing yet to be confirmed. Diversions will be in place during these dates. The works are due to be completed by 5 June 2011.M5 J9 to J10 & M5 J13 to J14Pier protection works to two over bridges on the M5 commenced 14 February for 6 weeks. 3 narrow lanes and a 50mph speed restriction will be in place in the vicinity of the bridges at Hardwick/Elmstone (M5 J9 to J10) and Dursley/Cambridge (M5 J13 to J14).A303 Countess Roundabout, AmesburyThe Highways Agency is carrying out major safety and improvement work at the Countess Roundabout on the A303 near Amesbury in Wiltshire.Work started on January 17 and is taking place seven days a week during daylight hours with 24 hour working being undertaken wherever practical. The scheme is expected to continue for approximately 17 weeks with traffic being controlled in a number of ways including lane closures and temporary traffic signalling.Carriageway improvements will include: Countess RoundaboutTraffic signal installation on all four approaches to the roundabout. Widening and resurfacing the A303 approaches to, and around, the roundabout. Permanent 40 mph speed limit applied on A303 approaches. Safety barrier, road signs and road markings replaced. Extension of subway under A303 westbound approach, to accommodate carriageway widening works. Renewal of lighting columns, lanterns and installation of associated cables.Boscombe Down Replacement and refurbishment of existing drainage system. Resurfacing on approach to the roundabout.Through-traffic will remain on the A303 for the duration of the scheme. However, local traffic using the A345 will be diverted when necessary and the agreed alternative route will be clearly signed nearer the time.A40 Churcham Flood ReliefWork commenced October 2010 on a flood relief project at Churcham, near Gloucester. Work to the main carriageway has now been completed and traffic management removed. Works are now taking place off carriageway and the project is expected to be completed by the end of February. M49 BristolWork commenced 4 January 2011 to install three new electronic message signs on the M49 northbound approaching the Severn River Crossing to Wales. The new signs will give drivers real time advance warning of road conditions ahead, including information about the status of the Severn crossings. During the work there will be single lane running with a 50mph speed restriction on the north bound carriageway and some off peak lane closures on the south bound carriageway. Works will continue until the end of March.A35 Weymouth Road Roundabout and A35 StinsfordRoadworks are due to start on 13 September 2010 at the Stadium Roundabout and on 20 September 2010 at Stinsford (Kingston Maurward) Roundabout. The work is due to be completed at the end of March.We plan to maintain two lanes onto the roundabouts at each entry at all times during the day (6am to 8pm) to minimise disruption to traffic. However temporary traffic signals will be required overnight at some times during the works. We will be providing more information as it becomes necessary and as there are significant changes.