Storm Bram brings travel disruption as Severn crossing affected
Emergency repairs have added to problems caused by the bad weather
Drivers have faced long delays crossing the River Severn today, with poor weather and emergency repairs causing severe disruption.
Only one lane has been open each way on the Prince of Wales Bridge while strong winds earlier closed the M48 Severn Bridge completely, leading to delays of around an hour.
It has since reopened, but repairs on the Prince of Wales Bridge are expected to continue through rush hour.
In a statement issued last night, National Highways said: “Drivers are asked to make extra time for journeys across the M4 Prince of Wales bridge overnight on Monday 8 December and into the peak hours of Tuesday 9 December and only travel if necessary. Emergency lane closures mean only one lane will be open in each direction, so journeys will take longer than normal.
“Emergency inspections of the lamp posts on the bridge have identified an immediate safety risk. We will be carrying out work as soon as possible, but we expect closures to be in place, possibly until after Tuesday evening's rush hour. We thank drivers for their patience whilst we carry out this vital safety work.
“Road users are also advised that we will be monitoring potential high winds that affect the M48. Should wind speeds reach the threshold for safety of above 46mph, the carriageway will be closed. This is standard procedure and unrelated to the ongoing issues on the M4 Prince of Wales bridge.”
Weather warnings have been in force all day across Wales and south-west England, with the arrival of Storm Bram.
Great Western Railway earlier reduced services between Swindon and Bristol Parkway due to the forecast severe weather.
Transport for Wales said the line between Abercynon and Aberdare was shut due to "severe flooding in various locations", with rail replacement coaches operating instead.
Fewer trains were able to run on all lines due to heavy rain flooding the railway between Danescourt and Cardiff Central.
In Llandysul, Ceredigion, low-lying land and roads experienced flooding, while the River Tawe at Ynystanglws in Swansea was "at its peak, or very close to it", Natural Resources Wales said.
The National Grid's website showed power cuts affecting areas of Wales, south-west England and the Midlands.
A total of 62 properties were without power in Burry Port, south Wales.