The M32 northbound exit slip road will remain closed while the structural damage is assessed.

Work is under way to check the extent of the damage at the slip road for J2 for Eastville following a severe fire at the end of last month.

Chris Regan, Head of Service Delivery for Highways England in the South West, said:“We have appointed a team of specialist contractors to help us understand exactly what needs to be done to fix the problem. In the coming days, a platform will be erected on the underside of the slip road to help us further assess, monitor and inspect the bridge.

“The fire burned at an incredibly high temperature with the potential to cause damage to the structure. As such, it is not currently safe to allow traffic to drive over it.

“While we are trying to understand if it may be possible to reopen one of the lanes on the exit slip road above, this is not currently possible. We’d like to thank drivers for their continued patience while this work is ongoing.”

Highways England is working with Bristol City Council to increase the amount of signage within the city centre, to warn motorists about the slip road closure, and allow them to take a different route out of the city if needed, which will help reduce levels of congestion at key points.

Motorists are advised to leave extra time for journeys.

Those using the northbound M32 and wishing to exit at junction 2 should remain on the M32 northbound, exiting at junction 1 (Hambrook) and returning via the M32 southbound to junction 2 (Eastville). The exit slip road on the southbound carriageway is unaffected.