Crucial motorway bridge used by 80,000 a day has closed – as drivers warned to take diversions
DRIVERS are warned to divert as a major motorway closes until tomorrow morning.
This crucial road, used by over 80,000 motorists, crosses the river Severn and will impact thousands of drivers.
The Prince of Wales Bridge will be closed from 8pm tonight until 6am tomorrow morning.
This famous bridge on the M4 motorway takes drivers from near Bristol, England, into Newport, Wales.
The Severn Bridges account on social media announced the closure at 3pm this afternoon.
On the National Highways website, details of the roadworks were shared.
It stated that the M4 westbound from junction 21 to junction 23 will be closed – including the junction 22 entry slip road.
National Highways said the carriageway will be closed for resurfacing, with a diversion available using the M48 westbound.
Road resurfacing involves removing the old, worn-out surface layer of a road and replacing it with a new layer of material.
It helps to improve the road’s safety, durability, and driving conditions by tackling such as potholes, and general wear and tear.
Drivers heading north on the M49 should take the M4 eastbound to Junction 20, then the M5 southbound, exit at Junction 16, join the M5 northbound.
Motorists should then be able to continue on the M4 westbound before joining the M48.
The Prince of Wales Bridge, previously known as the Second Severn Crossing, spans the River Severn and the Severn Estuary between England and Wales.
Opened in 1996, it’s now one of the most used bridges in the UK with 80,000 cars a day travelling over the 5,128-metre road.
For those heading eastbound on the M4, there is one more closure to take notice of.
There is a slip road and lane closures for structures work on the M4 in both directions on junction 12.
Drivers are urged to check travel plans ahead of time so as not to risk long journey disruptions.
Diversion Details
The Prince of Wales Bridge will be closed from 8pm January 14 until 6am January 14.
- For M4 westbound traffic: Follow the M48 westbound.
- For M49 northbound traffic: Take the M4 eastbound to Junction 20, then the M5 southbound. Exit at Junction 16, join the M5 northbound, and continue on the M4 westbound before joining the M48.