Drivers asked to plan ahead of M48 Severn Bridge trial
A trial project that could cut the time it takes to apply a new road surface on the M48 Severn Bridge is due to start this week
A trial project that could cut the time it takes to apply a new road surface on the M48 Severn Bridge is due to start this week.
National Highways is reminding drivers using the bridge between England and Wales to plan their journeys and allow extra time ahead of the resurfacing trial.
As part of the long-term maintenance of the bridge, National Highways needs to resurface a 200-metre section of the bridge westbound to ensure that the new road surfacing can be laid thinly enough using a machine.
The work includes constructing crossover points, removing all existing materials, including the waterproofing layer, inspecting and repairing the steel deck, rewaterproofing the bridge, installing control rails for the laying machine, laying the surfacing, conducting detailed inspections to verify thickness, and reinstating the barriers at the crossover points.
National Highways will be working from Saturday 01 August until Sunday 27 September
The contraflow will be in place from 8pm Saturday 8 August until 8pm Friday 18 September.
When the contraflow is operational, there will be single narrow lane running in each direction on the eastbound carriageway, with a 30mph limit and average speed cameras.
To set up the contraflow, there will be a mixture of overnight closures, lane closures and 24-hour weekend closures.
During full closures, well-signed diversion routes will be in place via the M4 Prince of Wales bridge.
Chris Pope, Programme Manager for National Highways, said: “Many of the motorways and major A roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and need maintenance to ensure they remain fit for purpose for generations to come.
“The M48 Severn Bridge is very heavily used and is now in need of significant resurfacing, which is vital to keep drivers safe and the route running into the future.
“We appreciate this trial may cause some delays in the area and we’re advising road users to allow extra time for journeys, especially during peak hours.”