AN ALMOST 20-mile stretch of the M4 will be completely shut over the weekend.

The motorway will be closed in both directions for 'bridge refurbishment'.

A Highways England notice reads as follows:

M4 junctions 12 Theale to 13 Chieveley, West Berkshire: bridge refurbishment Work to improve journeys by refurbishing the bridges that carry the M4 over Dark Lane and Ashampstead Road continues this week. Narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit will be in place on the east and westbound carriageways until August.

The westbound carriageway will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Thursday 30 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4.

The M4 east and westbound carriageways, between junctions 12 and 13, will be fully closed from 9pm on Friday 31 March through to 6am on Monday 3 April. The main diversion will run via the A4.

Road users are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes including M40, M25, A34, A33 and A404.