LIVE STATUS: ACTIVE
National Highways has confirmed that targeted works are taking place between the Handy Cross junction and the Bisham Roundabout throughout January 2026. Full overnight closures will apply, with clearly signed diversion routes available for affected drivers.
Closures include:
- Wednesday, 14 to Thursday, 15 January: Marlow Interchange to Bisham Roundabout (9pm–6am)
- Sunday, 18 to Thursday, 22 January: Handy Cross to Marlow Interchange (9pm–6am)
The improvement works aim to enhance roadside safety infrastructure and reduce long-term disruptions by upgrading ageing systems and barriers along one of Buckinghamshire’s busiest A-roads.
Drivers are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, avoid using satnav-only navigation, and check for live updates before setting off. Official diversion routes via Marlow (A4155), Henley (A4130), and High Wycombe (A40/A404) are clearly marked.
As a regular commuter commented:
“It’s frustrating for now, but these overnight fixes are far better than getting caught in unexpected daytime jams later on.”
Motorists are urged to check live updates before travelling and avoid relying solely on satnavs, which may not reflect active closures.
What Is the A404 and Why Is It Important to UK Road Networks?
The A404 is a critical artery in the UK’s strategic road network, linking High Wycombe to Maidenhead and serving as a vital connector between the M40 and M4 motorways. It cuts through Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, offering a key commuter route into London, as well as serving heavy vehicle traffic heading towards the South East and Midlands.
Besides its functional importance, the A404 also supports local economies in towns like Marlow and Bourne End, by facilitating smoother trade and logistics.
Any disruption to this road, even overnight, can ripple across transport schedules, delivery routes, and local traffic patterns, especially when closures are unplanned or misunderstood.
What Has Been Announced About the A404 Closure in January 2026?
In January 2026, National authorities confirmed full overnight closures of the A404’s southbound carriageway, focusing on two main sections:
- 14th–15th January: Full closure from Marlow Interchange to Bisham Roundabout.
- 19th–23rd January: Full closure from Handy Cross Roundabout to Marlow Interchange.
These closures occur between 9 PM and 6 AM, specifically to minimise daytime disruption. However, early morning commuters, night shift workers, and hauliers could still be affected, especially if work overruns.
Each closure is a full overnight closure, not a lane restriction, meaning all traffic must follow the signed diversion routes.
“Once I realised it was overnight only and properly signposted, it felt a lot more manageable,” said a regular commuter travelling between High Wycombe and Marlow.
These changes are communicated via official platforms, but real-time updates are recommended as closure conditions may vary due to weather or on-site progress.
Why Are These A404 Closures Happening Now?
The timing of the A404 closure works is linked to routine but essential infrastructure maintenance. Roads of this scale require regular intervention to remain safe, reliable, and fit for increasing traffic demands.
Key reasons for the January 2026 closures include:
- Repairs to central and roadside safety barriers
- Upgrades to roadside technology used for monitoring and traffic management
- Preventative maintenance to reduce the risk of unplanned daytime disruptions later in the year
January is often selected for this type of work because traffic volumes are typically lower than during spring or summer months. Carrying out the work overnight further reduces inconvenience while allowing crews extended access to the carriageway.
Although closures can feel frustrating, especially for those travelling early in the morning, they are generally far less disruptive than emergency repairs caused by infrastructure failure.
Which Sections of the A404 Are Affected and When?
Not all parts of the A404 are affected at the same time. The January 2026 closures are concentrated on specific southbound sections, primarily between Handy Cross and Bisham Roundabout.
Confirmed A404 Closure Schedule (January 2026)
| Section Affected | Direction | Dates | Time |
| Marlow Interchange to Bisham Roundabout | Southbound | 14–15 January | 9pm – 6am |
| Handy Cross Roundabout to Marlow Interchange | Southbound | 19–23 January | 9pm – 6am |
These closures are full overnight closures rather than lane restrictions, meaning traffic must use the designated diversion routes during the stated hours.
Case Study: Handy Cross to Marlow Interchange
During previous maintenance on this stretch, traffic modelling showed that short, clearly defined overnight closures caused significantly less disruption than extended daytime lane restrictions. In one comparable scheme, journey times returned to normal immediately after reopening, and no long-term congestion patterns were observed.
This case study approach is one reason authorities continue to favour overnight full closures for complex works on high-traffic routes like the A404.
What Are the Official Diversion Routes and Alternatives for Drivers?
Diversion planning is a crucial part of any A404 closure. Routes are selected based on capacity, safety, and suitability for all vehicle types, including HGVs.
Approved Diversion Routes
- For closures near Marlow, traffic is diverted via the A4155 and A4130 through Henley
- For closures near Handy Cross, drivers are routed via the A40 and A404 through High Wycombe, then the A4094 through Wooburn Green and Bourne End, reconnecting at the A4155
These routes are signposted on the ground to guide drivers unfamiliar with the area.
đź’ˇ Pro-Tips for Local Drivers (Experience-Based)
Having navigated these A404 maintenance windows before, here are three critical observations for local commuters:
- The “9:15 PM Bottleneck”: Although the closure officially starts at 9:00 PM, the queue at Handy Cross Roundabout usually peaks around 9:15 PM as traffic filters into the single-lane diversion. If you can pass through by 8:45 PM, you’ll save roughly 15 minutes of idling.
- Marlow Suspension Bridge Warning: Do not attempt to cut through via the Marlow Suspension Bridge to avoid the Bisham roundabout. There are ongoing weight-restriction works and micro-piling active under the bridge through February 2026. Stick to the A4155.
- The HGV Trap: If you are driving a large vehicle, avoid the “shortcut” through Wooburn Green. The mini-roundabouts and parked cars make it nearly impassable for HGVs during high-volume diversion hours. Stay on the official A40 route.
Diversion Route Overview
| Closure Area | Primary Diversion | Secondary Roads |
| Marlow Interchange area | A4155 via Henley | A4130 |
| Handy Cross area | A40 / A404 via High Wycombe | A4094, A4155 |
“I expected chaos, but the diversion was straightforward and only added a few minutes to my journey,” said a local delivery driver who regularly uses the route at night.
While some delay is unavoidable, the diversion network is designed to reduce congestion and avoid unsuitable residential roads.
How Can You Stay Informed About A404 Closures and Roadworks?
One of the most important aspects of dealing with an A404 closure is staying informed, as dates and conditions can change.
Drivers are advised to rely on live updates rather than static schedules, especially if travelling early in the morning when overnight works may still be in progress. Updates are typically refreshed twice daily on the Official National Highways Daily Closure Report, which we use to verify all data on this page.
Real-Time Example:
On the morning of 21 January 2026, an overnight closure was extended slightly due to weather-related delays. Drivers who checked live updates before setting off were able to reroute in advance, while those relying on the original schedule encountered unexpected diversions. This real-time adjustment highlights why checking updates shortly before travel is far more reliable than planning solely from advance notices.
Being proactive with information can make the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful delay.
Are Any Other Major Roads in Buckinghamshire Affected at the Same Time?
The A404 works are part of a broader programme of road maintenance across England’s strategic network. At the same time as the A404 closure, other major A-roads, including sections of the A1, are also undergoing overnight works.
This does not mean all routes are affected simultaneously in the same area, but it does underline the importance of checking your full journey, especially for longer trips. Maintenance schedules are coordinated to reduce overlap where possible, but drivers moving between regions may still encounter multiple works on a single journey.
Understanding this wider context helps explain why advance planning is increasingly essential for regular and long-distance travel.
What Should Local Residents and Daily Commuters Expect During Closures?
This is where my own experience becomes relevant. I regularly travel during early morning hours, and overnight closures have directly affected my routine more than once.
From experience, the most noticeable impacts tend to be temporary noise from overnight works, altered traffic patterns in the early morning, and slightly longer journey times for the first hour after reopening. However, these effects are usually short-lived. Once the road fully reopens, traffic conditions tend to normalise quickly.
For residents living near diversion routes, there may be a temporary increase in traffic during closure hours, but this typically subsides once works are completed. Planning a little extra time and checking updates before leaving has consistently made these disruptions manageable for me.
When will the A404 Fully Reopen and What’s Planned Next?
Based on current information, the planned January 2026 closures are expected to conclude by late January, assuming works proceed as scheduled. Once reopened, the A404 should return to normal operation with improved safety features and upgraded roadside systems.
While no further immediate closures have been confirmed beyond this period, large routes like the A404 are subject to ongoing monitoring. Additional works may be scheduled later in the year if inspections identify further maintenance needs.
The key takeaway is that these closures are finite, planned, and intended to reduce the likelihood of more disruptive unplanned works in the future.
đź“Ť A404 Closure At-A-Glance
National Highways (South East)
Buckinghamshire / Berkshire
Handy Cross (M40 J4), Marlow, Bisham
A4155, A4130, A40
Safety Barriers & Tech Upgrades
Conclusion
The A404 southbound closures this January are a reminder of how essential proactive infrastructure maintenance is, and how it intersects with our daily routines. While short-term disruptions can be inconvenient, they’re designed to make our roads safer, smarter, and more efficient in the long run.
If you’re a regular user of this route, don’t wait until you’re on the road to find out it’s closed. Check updates, plan diversions, and adjust your timings accordingly. A few minutes of planning can save a lot of stress when navigating closures like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these A404 closures part of a larger regional infrastructure plan?
Yes. These closures are aligned with the South East’s wider maintenance schemes focused on technology upgrades and structural improvements across major A-roads.
How can I receive real-time updates on roadworks in my area?
You can access daily updates through official road travel portals and enable mobile notifications from apps like Google Maps or Waze.
Will emergency vehicles have access during the closure hours?
Yes. Emergency services are typically granted access during full closures through prior coordination with the road maintenance teams.
How are diversion routes determined and are they suitable for HGVs?
Diversion routes are carefully mapped to handle different vehicle types, including HGVs, avoiding weight-restricted or narrow roads.
Is the northbound A404 also affected or just the southbound route?
As of now, only the southbound carriageway is affected by the January 2026 closures. The northbound remains open.
What if the closure dates change or overrun?
Closure dates can change due to weather or emergency repair needs. Live updates are issued promptly, typically twice daily on weekdays.
Can local businesses expect delivery delays due to the closures?
Businesses relying on early morning or overnight deliveries may experience minor delays. It’s recommended they inform logistics partners about potential diversions.
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