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The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What part of the M4 will these works be affecting?
A: On the Elevated Section between Junction 1 (Chiswick) to Junction 3 (Heston)
Q: There are already regular closures, are these additional closures going to be different?
A: No. In terms of diversions, the additional closures will be identical in layout and signing to what everyone has been use to over the years.
Q: What exactly are you doing during these additional closures?
A: Critical repairs to ensure the long term integrity of the Elevated Section.
Additional closures will enable the road surface to be renewed and properly sealed. Also there is much drainage that needs to be unblocked and/or renewed.
Q: Why can't you just do these during the usual closures?
A: There are over 400 joints that need to be renewed and/or repaired. If this work was to be done only during the routine closures, we anticipate that this work would take over 5 years to complete.
Q: Will both directions of the M4 be closed at the same time?
A: Like the current closures, only one direction will ever be closed (unless there are extraordinary circumstances such as a serious road traffic accident on the open carriageway).
Q: Do you have to close the M4?
A: In most situations yes. This is the only way to protect our workforce and safeguard the travelling public.
Q: Will there be additional noise due to the work?
A: No. With the M4 closed, there will actually be less high speed traffic noise. Any noisy on-site operations such as mixing of materials (as currently experienced) shall take place away from the site.
Q: Why are the works taking place?
A: The existing joints have not performed well, breaking up and allowing water to seep through the joint. They have to be regularly inspected and replaced, during the routine M4 Cyclic closures.
Q: How comes it is taking so long?
A: There are approximately 425 joints in total to be replaced and, to minimise disruption to road users, the works will only be undertaken at night.
Q: How long will it last before it has to be done again?
A: The new joints should be good for many years.
Q: Is it unsafe at the moment?
A: The existing joints in the M4 Elevated Section are not unsafe. The existing joints deteriorate relatively quickly and are therefore regularly inspected and replaced.
