From National Highways:
Routine surveys revealed that the main bridge cables have deteriorated and weakened. We need to reduce the load on these cables to keep the bridge open for most traffic.
For the time being, this means removing the heaviest goods vehicles.
Exemptions
Even if they’re over 7.5T, the M48 Severn Bridge will remain open to:
- all emergency vehicles, gritters and recovery vehicles
- scheduled bus services and coaches
All HGVs over 7.5t will need to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge to cross the Severn Estuary.
This is a diversion of 14 miles.
What will happen when the Prince of Wales bridge needs to close?
Planned overnight closures
For planned overnight closures of M4 Prince of Wales bridge, we’ll:
- put additional control measures in place
- allow HGVs over 7.5t to use the M48 Severn Bridge.
We’ll divert all traffic off the M48 to roundabouts at Junctions 1 and 2. We’ll use traffic management similar to preparation for high winds.
Traffic will then continue onto the M48 bridge from the entry slip roads, where access can be controlled by traffic signals.
We’ll monitor traffic to make sure there aren’t too many HGVs over 7.5t on the bridge at any time.
This arrangement can only work overnight, when the traffic volumes are much lower. 7.5t weight restriction signs won’t be displayed when this diversion route is in use.
Unplanned closures
If there is an unplanned closure of the Prince of Wales bridge, HGVs over 7.5t will need to follow the official diversion route via the M5 and the M50.
This is a diversion route of approximately 100 miles.
How long will the weight restriction last?
We’ll need to keep the weight restriction in place for an estimated 12 to 18 months:
- depending on further investigations
- while we develop and install a medium-term solution to help us manage the number of vehicles over 7.5t using the bridge over the longer term.
The medium-term solution aims to lift the 7.5T restriction by combining technology and traffic management tools (like signs, barriers or signals).
Together these will:
- control access to the bridge
- ensure vehicle loads remain within safe limits at all times
What enforcement will stop HGVs over 7.5t using the bridge?
We’ll work with the local police to enforce the weight restriction.
We’re exploring the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (APNR) cameras to help do so.
Will this reduce the number of wind closures on the M48 bridge?
At this time, we’re introducing mitigation to protect the bridge long term.
We will reassess wind speeds and levels in the future to see what is safe and practical.
What will the impact of the restrictions be on local economies?
Traffic modelling suggests most HGVs over 7.5t using the M48 Severn Bridge have a destination within 50 kilometres of the bridge.
This means the weight restriction will have a localised impact.
We’re working with the haulage sector and regional stakeholders to help them adapt their operations.
Will you provide compensation for businesses and drivers affected by the weight restriction?
We’re not obliged or required to pay compensation for disruption, costs, or inconvenience, caused by roadworks.
This is because the work we do (maintaining and improving the highways for all to use) is considered a statutory duty on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport.
This is covered under section 278 of the Highways Act 1980.
Will the Parkrun need to stop using the bridge?
The Severn Bridge Parkrun can continue.
Timing
If there’s an issue with the bridge, why is the weight restriction only coming into force from 27 May?
We need time to engage with stakeholders including the local haulage industry who’ll be affected by the restriction.
We’re satisfied that the bridge is safe and confident there’s no risk allowing HGVs to use it while we engage with stakeholders.
Why not wait until the Prince of Wales work is complete before introducing the weight limit?
If heavier vehicles continue using the bridge, it could ultimately close to all traffic.
We’re acting now to stop this happening.
While we carry out further investigations, we are :
- satisfied the bridge is safe for traffic to use
- confident that that there has been no risk to safety by allowing HGVs to use the bridge
Safety is our number one priority. As with all our major structures, we’ll continue to monitor the bridge.
There are multiple structural health monitoring systems active on the bridge. They’re all currently indicating the bridge is operational and safe to use.
However, continued use of the bridge by heavier vehicles could ultimately see it closed to all traffic.
We’re acting now to stop this happening. We’re looking at long-term measures to ensure the bridge stays open to traffic for many years to come.
The M48 Severn Bridge is almost 60 years old. It’s exposed to hostile marine and weather conditions all year round. This has contributed to the corrosion of the cables.
The bridge wasn’t designed and built for today’s levels or weight of traffic. Vehicles have got heavier and traffic levels have increased significantly over the last 60 years.
Since tolls were removed on the bridge in 2018, there’s been a 34% increase in traffic.
Taken together, these changes have substantially increased the load challenges on the bridge.
Full information – https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/the-severn-bridges/m48-severn-bridge-weight-restriction/
