Safety ‘number one priority’ for drivers during major M4 works, says National Highways

National Highways has reassured drivers after safety concerns about maintenance works at a busy junction.

Newburytoday contacted the government-owned company, which maintains England’s major roads and motorways, on Sunday (February 2) after temporary signage and lane markings at the M4 Theale Interchange (Junction 12) led to some drivers cutting across multiple lanes to reach the A4 exit.

Adjustments to improve the signage were then made.

Major works have been taking place at the busy junction for several months to “maintain the structural integrity of both bridges”, which are due to be completed at the end of March.

But newburytoday also asked the company how it risk assessed the temporary traffic control measures for the works and why these issues occurred.

National Highways responded: “The safety of those using our roads, and those working to maintain and improve them, are our number one priority.

“Lane widths and alignments are planned and risk-assessed in accordance with industry standards.

“Measures including traffic cones, signage and temporary vehicle restraint systems have been added to assist those travelling though our roadworks at the Theale Interchange.

“We welcome feedback and have continued to refine our approach on both sides of the junction to enhance clarity for motorists.”

Newburytoday understands alternative options to maintain the three lanes over the bridge decks were explored but would have significantly extended the project timeline — and caused possibly more disruption.

Similar issues around unclear signage and merging lanes occurred when works were taking place at the opposite side of the junction before Christmas – until more signage was added further back from the junction.