Drivers face weeks of disruption amid M32 closures

Drivers face seven weeks of disruption as overnight closures begin on the M32.

Sections of Stapleton Road and Muller Road will also be shut as the National Highways carries out inspections and surveys on the Eastville Viaduct at junction 2.

The work will begin later and run until Sunday 16 February.

Sean Walsh, route manager for National Highways, said: "We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by closing the road, we can get this essential work done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall."

In November, survey work was carried out on the underside of the viaduct.

The latest work will cover the topside of the structure, which will take place on both the motorway carriageway and slip roads. All the closures will be between 20:00 GMT and 06:00.

The closures include:

• Wednesday 15 January - Thursday 16 January: A section of Stapleton Road under the M32 at junction 2 will be closed
• Sunday 19 January and Monday 20 January: The M32 southbound will be closed between junction 1 and junction 3
• Monday 17 February - Monday 10 March: The Muller Road northbound slip roads and the M32 northbound lane 1 will be closed
• Tuesday 21 January - Wednesday 12 February: The Muller Road southbound slip roads and the M32 southbound lane 1 will be closed
• Thursday 13 February - Sunday 16 February: The M32 northbound will be closed between junction 1 and junction 3

Signposted diversions will be in place while the road is closed.

The bridge, which was built in the 1970s, is used by tens of thousands of drivers every day.

National Highways previously confirmed the bridge has serious defects which could cost about £200m to repair, but the authority said is still "structurally sound and safe".

A major programme of works is scheduled to start in 2026.

Speaking about the current work, Mr Walsh added: "Safety is our number one priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"However, we need to carry out these structural inspections to ensure the long-term maintenance and safety of the road."

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