National Highways M48 Severn Bridge resurfacing (1 Aug - 27 Sept)
During the summer period when commuter traffic is at its lowest, National Highways will install a temporary contraflow system on the Severn Bridge. When the contraflow is in operation, there will be a single narrow lane running in each direction on the eastbound carriageway. There will also be a 30mph limit and average speed cameras. Access will be maintained throughout to Chepstow.
The contraflow will be in place from 8pm 8 August - 8pm 18 September. To set up the contraflow, there will be a mixture of overnight closures, lane closures and 24-hour weekend closures. During full closures, a signed diversion route will be in place via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
Closures:
π§ Saturday 1 August (8pm β 6am)π§
Full overnight closure of westbound carriageway and lane 2 closure eastbound. Westbound diversion via M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
π§ Sunday 2 August (6am β 8pm) π§
Daytime westbound lane 2 closure. 30mph limit in place. Full overnight closure of eastbound carriageway and lane 2 closure westbound. Eastbound diversion via M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
π§ Monday 3 August β Thursday 6 August (6am β 8pm) π§
Daytime eastbound and westbound lane 2 closure. 30mph limit in place. Full overnight closure of westbound carriageway and lane 2 closure eastbound. Westbound diversion via M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
π§ Friday 7 August (daytime) (6am β 8pm) π§
Daytime eastbound and westbound lane 2 closure. 30mph limit in place.
π§ From 8pm Friday 7 August until 8pm Saturday 8 August - inclusive 24/7 π§
Closure of westbound and eastbound carriageways. Diversion via M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
Please note these dates and times could be subject to changes. For further details please visit the national highways website.
The original bridge design and construction in the 1960s featured a 35mm surface that was laid by hand. As part of the long-term maintenance of the bridge, National Highways is trialing resurfacing a 200-metre section of the bridge westbound to ensure that the new road surfacing can be laid thin enough using a machine. If the trial is successful, full resurfacing of both carriageways will be carried out in 2027 / 2028.