M4 Severn Bridge Roadworks Extended Until Summer 2025

Motorists utilizing the M4 route between Wales and England have received notification that ongoing roadworks on the Severn Bridge are now projected to continue until the summer of 2025. The entity responsible for the Prince of Wales Bridge, which serves as the busiest connection between the two nations, has verified that the resurfacing project will require over six additional months to complete compared to its initial timeline. When the construction commenced in July, commuters were informed that the work would conclude by autumn 2024. However, National Highways has attributed the delay of the £17m initiative on the bridge, which was opened in 1996, to “additional work.” Chris Pope, programme delivery manager of National Highways, stated, “We appreciate it is frustrating that the scheme is taking longer than planned.” Mr Pope further elaborated, “But it’s important that we take the time now to ensure the job is done to the highest standard to protect the bridge, ensure safety and durability and reduce the need for repairs in the future.” The undertaking on the three-mile structure, recognized as the UK’s second longest bridge linking south Wales with South Gloucestershire, was originally anticipated to last approximately four months when it began in summer 2024. The contraflow system frequently leads to traffic congestion in both directions, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours, impacting more than 75,000 motorists who traverse the bridge daily. In November, drivers experienced delays of up to two hours in traffic when the nearby M48 bridge, which is the first Severn crossing, was closed due to the high winds of Storm Bert. Mr Pope commented, “When undertaking complex work like this, it’s only once we start that we know the full extent of what needs to be done, and work has involved additional safety improvements.” He added, “Recent heavy rain has also hampered progress. We’re updating stakeholders and the travelling public throughout, and repairs and improvements on the eastbound side will continue next year when the risk of the M48 Severn Bridge being closed due to bad weather and high winds reduces again.” Engineers are currently engaged in resurfacing and repairing the £330m Prince of Wales Bridge. Furthermore, National Highways has implemented supplementary safety measures, such as replacing the kerb positioned in front of the safety barrier and drainage gullies, and applying anti-skid material between the safety barrier and the bridge edge. “Additional work has been required to expand the waterproofing layer into the verge of the carriageway and to the edge of the bridge, and this will ensure strength and durability,” Mr Pope also stated. Despite the delays, the contraflow has been removed, and speed limits have been increased from 40mph to 50mph. National Highways announced that it expects to “be in a position to open two standard lanes to eastbound traffic and two lanes westbound before the Christmas holidays” soon. The UK government agency has issued an apology to drivers for any inconvenience caused and expressed gratitude for their “continued understanding and patience.” The announcement of the delay concerning the Prince of Wales Bridge roadworks coincides with the scheduled closure of the original Severn crossing on the adjacent M48 for maintenance. The M48 westbound section between Aust and Chepstow was closed overnight from Wednesday to Thursday and is slated for another closure from 20:00 GMT on Thursday until 06:00 on Friday.