A404 Closure: Road Closures and Diversions in Your Area

The A404 is a key arterial road in the UK that connects High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire with the M40 motorway, and beyond, providing a vital link for commuters, freight transport and regional travel.

Recent announcements and planned works mean that stretches of the A404 will experience closures and diversions, requiring careful planning by drivers and local residents. In this guide, readers will find clear answers to common questions about the closure, how it might affect journeys and where to find updated travel information.

Why Is the A404 So Important for Traffic?

The A404 is a primary road in south‑east England that links High Wycombe with the M40 and services the surrounding towns of Marlow and the Thames Valley area. It forms one of the main commuter routes for traffic heading towards London and provides connections to key regional commuter routes.

In addition to daily commuter traffic, it carries commercial vehicles and plays a role in linking other major roads, so any closure has a knock‑on effect on local and through traffic.

Why Is the A404 Being Closed and for How Long?

Closures of the A404 are typically scheduled by National Highways to allow essential maintenance, resurfacing and road safety improvements. Planned overnight closures have been announced for various dates, often between 21:00 and 06:00, to reduce disruption during peak daytime traffic. These closures are intended to ensure safer road conditions and to prevent unplanned breakdowns that can cause even greater delays in the future.

The exact duration of each closure varies, but typically these bans on through traffic occur overnight, avoiding the busiest commuter hours where possible. Notices are published publicly ahead of time to help drivers plan.

What Are the Confirmed A404 Closures and Diversion Routes in 2026?

As of early 2026, several confirmed A404 overnight closures are scheduled by National Highways to facilitate urgent maintenance and safety improvements. Below is a detailed table outlining the specific closure periods, locations, and diversion routes that drivers should be aware of. These closures are mostly overnight to minimise commuter disruption but still require careful travel planning:

Table: A404 Closures and Diversions

Drivers are encouraged to consult live travel updates, official road closure notices, and navigation apps before setting off, particularly during February 2026, when multiple overlapping works are taking place across the south‑east road network.

What Are the Planned Diversion Routes During the A404 Closure?

When a closure is in place, road signs and official diversion routes are put in place by National Highways to reroute traffic. For example, during recent planned closures of the A404 southbound between Bisham interchange and Henley Road junction, drivers were advised to follow alternate roads via Little Marlow Road, Marlow Road and Henley Road (A4155) before rejoining traffic further along the route.

Drivers are urged to follow official diversion signage and plan their journeys in advance, especially if travelling familiar routes during a closure period. Maps and diversion plans tend to be published on the National Highways website prior to closure events.

How Will the A404 Closure Affect Local Traffic and Travel Times?

Closures, even when overnight, can lead to increased congestion on nearby roads and alternative routes as drivers are directed off the A404 and onto smaller local roads. During a closure, routes such as Little Marlow Road and other A‑road links may see higher than normal volumes, especially early in the morning as commuters begin their journeys before the closure has fully cleared.

Commuters should allow extra time for travel during these periods and consider consulting real‑time traffic updates from services such as the AA or RAC traffic news tools.

What Areas and Towns Are Most Affected by the A404 Closure?

The towns around High Wycombe, Marlow and regions between the M40 junction and the Thames Valley are most directly affected by A404 closures. These places are on or close to the A404 corridor and local journeys can be disrupted when diversion routes push traffic through smaller suburban and rural roads.

In addition, travellers heading east towards Maidenhead or west towards Buckinghamshire may need to review alternate routes or plan journeys around closure times to avoid inconvenience.

Are There Any Public Transport or Emergency Services Adjustments?

Public transport and emergency services generally continue to operate during road closures, but they may adjust routes in cooperation with local authorities to ensure response times are maintained.

Bus services that typically use the A404 may operate slightly altered routes or temporary stops during closure periods. Local public transport authorities often publish notifications ahead of closures with details specific to services.

Local councils and emergency services plan for these changes in advance to ensure that ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles maintain access to all areas affected by the closure.

How Can Drivers Stay Informed About the A404 Closure and Updates?

Keeping up to date with the latest travel information is essential during road closures. Drivers are encouraged to:

• Check National Highways’ road closure reports and travel updates online for planned closures and diversions.
• Use traffic services such as AA Roadwatch and RAC Traffic News for live updates and alternative route suggestions.
• Consult local council notices and roadworks maps from Buckinghamshire County Council or town authorities.

Real‑time apps and navigation systems also integrate official reports and can alert drivers to planned closures ahead of time.

What Are the Long‑Term Benefits of the A404 Closure and Repairs?

While closures can be inconvenient in the short term, the long‑term benefits are considerable. Essential maintenance improves road surface quality, reduces the likelihood of accidents and breakdowns, and ensures that the A404 can safely support the high volumes of traffic that use the route daily.

Well‑managed closures also allow infrastructure updates to be completed without the dangers of live traffic near work crews. In the long run, this contributes to smoother travel conditions, reduced emergency closures and fewer unexpected disruptions.

What Should You Do to Prepare for the A404 Closure?

Before a planned closure, drivers should:

1. Check official notices for exact dates and times.
2. Plan alternative routes and familiarise themselves with diversions.
3. Allow extra travel time, especially during early morning and rush hours.
4. Use traffic alert apps and route planners for the latest live information.
5. Talk to local transport providers if using buses or coach services that might be affected.

By preparing ahead, travellers can minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

The A404 closure and associated diversions are part of scheduled maintenance to improve safety and long‑term reliability of a key UK road. While these closures may temporarily disrupt travel and require drivers to use diversion routes, understanding the schedule, planning ahead and using real‑time travel information will help reduce inconvenience. Staying informed and allowing extra journey time will make navigating closures far easier for daily commuters and occasional travellers alike.

FAQs About the A404 Closure

What times do A404 closures typically occur?

Closures are often scheduled overnight, usually between 21:00 and 06:00, to minimise disruption during daytime peak traffic.

Will public transport be cancelled during the closure?

Public transport continues, but bus routes may be temporarily changed. Always check with local operators for specific changes.

How do I find official diversion maps?

Official diversion maps are published by National Highways on their website ahead of each closure period.

Can emergency vehicles still use the road during closure?

Yes, closures are planned with emergency access in mind, and alternative routes are kept clear for such use.

Are closures announced in advance?

Yes, public notices are released weeks or months in advance to give drivers time to prepare.

Is the closure for repairs or construction?

Closures are primarily for maintenance and repairs to improve the road surface and infrastructure.

Where can I get live traffic updates?

Live traffic updates are available via services like AA Roadwatch and RAC Traffic News tools.