**Motorists in South Wales Face Extended M4 Closures for Essential Maintenance**
Drivers travelling on the M4 in South Wales are being urged to prepare for significant delays and diversions over the coming weeks and months, as Transport for Wales embarks on a series of scheduled closures and roadworks. The maintenance, which includes major resurfacing projects and critical structural inspections, is set to begin this weekend and will particularly affect motorists in the Coryton, Cross Hands, Pyle, and Hendy areas.
Starting from Monday, 9 June, until Saturday, 21 June, both directions of the M4 at junction 32, between Coryton and the Wenallt Road overbridge, will be completely closed overnight to allow for comprehensive structural checks. These closures will run from 8pm until 5am each night. Well-signposted diversions will be implemented to guide vehicles around the affected sections. Officials urge drivers to follow these signed routes and allow extra time for journeys.
In addition to these structural inspections, motorists should also anticipate full closures on the M4 eastbound between junction 49 at Pont Abraham and junction 48 at Hendy. Resurfacing works here are scheduled to begin from 8pm on Saturday, 7 June, and continue through to 6am on Sunday, 8 June. This will necessitate overnight diversions, and road authorities are warning drivers to check travel updates in advance to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
Perhaps the most significant disruption involves a six-month programme of work between junctions 37 and 38 near Pyle. Beginning on Monday, 9 June, this stretch of the motorway will undergo essential repairs to five bridges as part of a refurbishment project designed to lengthen the lifespan of these key structures. Although two lanes will remain open in both directions throughout the work, overnight closures and temporary speed limits will be enforced. Officials say that the works are critical for maintaining the safety and long-term viability of the M4, as well as ensuring the road does not fall into disrepair.
Transport authorities have highlighted that, while the motorway will largely remain open during daylight hours, overnight closures could still cause substantial delays for those travelling during late evening and early morning periods. Motorists are strongly advised to plan alternative routes or adjust travel times where possible. These restrictions have been described as limited to overnight periods only and, according to Transport for Wales, will be announced in advance with ample signage and warnings.
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, addressed public concerns about the inevitable inconvenience these works might cause. “Fixing and maintaining our roads and making them more resilient is a priority for us,” he stated. “I understand the works will cause disruption, and I’d like to thank motorists for their patience whilst the work is taking place. However, it is important it is carried out during periods of drier and warmer weather to ensure it can be done effectively.” His comments reflect an effort to explain the necessity of performing these works at this particular time of year, to ensure optimal repair quality with minimal risk of weather delays.
Traffic Wales and other transport agencies will offer regular updates available through their websites and social media channels. They advise commuters and freight operators to sign up for notifications and real-time alerts to stay informed about the latest closures, diversions, and potential hold-ups.
As the M4 remains a vital artery for both local and long-distance traffic across South Wales, these works are expected to impact thousands of journeys each week. Road users are encouraged to exercise patience, comply with temporary speed limits and signage, and to leave extra time for travel while these essential improvements are underway.
In summary, whilst the programme of works aims to bolster safety and resilience across this stretch of the M4, motorists should remain vigilant and prepared for varying degrees of night-time disruption until the autumn. Further details and travel advice can be found on official government transport websites and through trusted news updates.