M4 Elevated Section Partially Reopens
Traffic chaos likely on local roads until Wednesday
The Highways Agency announced last night (6th July) that they are closing the M4 between junctions 1 (Chiswick Roundabout) and junction 3 for up to five days.
The Highways Agency partially reopened the M4 yesterday evening (July 8th) with junctions 1-2 (Chiswick Roundabout to Brentford now accepting traffic.
The motorway remains closed between junctions 2 and 3 and heavy traffic on local roads is still expected.
The Highways Agency say that a serious crack has been found in a 'sensitive area' of the road structure. This is believed to be the Boston Manor Viaduct where heavy vehicles were already subject to restrictions. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes had already been stopped from using this stretch of the motorway after cracks had been found in supporting steel beams.
The motorway was closed on Friday evening and heavy traffic on local roads resulted immediately. When the original closure was announced it was stated that it could last for up to five days.
A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said, "We expect the ongoing remedial work programme will be completed to enable the viaduct to operate at its full capacity in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games later this month."
Diversions have been put in place along the A312 and the A4.
July 9, 2012