M48 SEVERN BRIDGE: Lane Closure Update

I’ve heard from many of you this week about yet another period of significant travel disruption caused by lane closures on the M48 Severn Bridge.

Unfortunately, details of these works were not made available to me or published for the public in advance. I know how important it is for people to have clear, advance notice so they can plan their journeys accordingly.

It’s not good enough that this information was missing from the National Highways website, something they have since acknowledged.

I raised this directly with National Highways at the start of the week.

Rob Penney, Head of Specialist Bridges for National Highways, has said:

“As part of our work to install the medium-term solution which will allow HGVs to return to the M48 Severn Bridge, as well as general upkeep and maintenance, we are carrying out essential works that require lane closures for safety reasons.

“Having listened to feedback since work began, we are adapting our working hours to reduce disruption during the morning eastbound and evening westbound peak periods. We thank drivers for their patience while we carry out this essential work.”

National Highways have informed me that works will begin on the Eastbound carriageway from 9.30 am and finish at 6 pm. Westbound restrictions will begin at 5am and be removed by 3pm.

I have my weekly meeting with National Highways on Friday and will be seeking further clarity.

As always, get in touch with me so I can take your experiences into that meeting: matt.bishop.mp@parliament.uk