Drivers using the M48 Severn Bridge, connecting England and Wales, will experience significant maintenance work starting August 1 and lasting through September 27. National Highways announced that this project aims to enhance the road surface and improve long-term safety.
Severn Bridge Roadworks Alert: Expect Delays
The upcoming roadworks will involve resurfacing a 200-meter section of the bridge. This task is part of the bridge’s vital long-term maintenance program. A contraflow system will be implemented, allowing one lane in each direction to remain open while work is conducted.
Project Details
- Start Date: August 1, 2026
- End Date: September 27, 2026
- Contractor: National Highways
- Speed Limit: 30 mph during the contraflow
- Operational Hours: Overnight closures and lane reductions
Chris Pope, a program manager at National Highways, emphasized the importance of this maintenance, stating that many key routes were built around 60 years ago and require updates to remain effective for future drivers. The resurfacing project will cut down the application time for new road surfaces, improving both efficiency and safety.
Traffic Management and Detours
During the contraflow period, from August 8 to September 18, construction activities will limit traffic to a single narrow lane in each direction. Additional lane closures and full 24-hour weekend closures will help facilitate the work.
Motorists are advised to expect delays, especially during peak hours, and should plan accordingly. Well-marked diversion routes will be established via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge during full closures.
Historical Context and Future Plans
This bridge was initially constructed in the 1960s and features a 35mm mastic asphalt surface that was later replaced in the early 1990s. The project aims to maintain this thickness to avoid compromising the structure’s integrity.
Should the trial resurfacing prove successful, a complete resurfacing of both carriageways is scheduled for 2027 and 2028. This maintenance is part of a broader £27 billion investment strategy by the Government, which allocates £8.4 billion specifically for road surfacing and bridge renewals from 2026 to 2031. The goal is to improve the bridge’s resilience and ensure it remains a crucial transportation link for years to come.
Access to Chepstow will remain available throughout the construction period, and lane closures on the Prince of Wales Bridge will be minimized to lessen disruptions. National Highways aims to conduct this necessary maintenance efficiently while keeping the safety of all road users a priority.
