A trial project is to take place that could cut the time it takes to apply a new road surface on the M48 Severn Bridge.
National Highways is advising 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 thin enough using a machine.
Historically the mastic asphalt surfacing on the bridge was hand laid which takes a significantly longer time to complete.
This work will be carried out using a mixture of overnight closures, and there will be a temporary contraflow and reduced speed limit on the bridge to keep one lane open in each direction.
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.”
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.
The original bridge design and construction in the 1960s featured a 35mm mastic asphalt surfacing that was laid by hand.
This was replaced between 1989 and 1991 with the same thickness of material. Any new surfacing needs to be laid at the same thickness of just 35mm, compared to 40mm+ on more modern bridge structures, to ensure weight across the structure is not increased above that for which it was designed.
Once the trial surface has been laid, regular inspections will take place to ensure the surface remains in sound condition.
If the trial is successful, National Highways will be fully resurfacing both carriageways in 2027 and 2028.
The work is planned over the summer period as this is primarily a commuter route and this is the quietest time of the year for traffic on the bridge.
Good weather and no heavy rain are also needed to ensure that the materials can adhere properly to the steel deck as they cool.
Access will be maintained to Chepstow throughout the works and planned lane closures on the Prince of Wales bridge will be kept to a minimum to reduce any disruption.
The programme of work is part of the Government’s £27 billion five-year Road Investment Strategy which has allocated £8.4 billion for resurfacing carriageways and renewing bridges between 2026 and 2031.
This planned maintenance work will improve the bridge’s resilience, reduce the risk of future unplanned closures and help future proof the structure for years to come, allowing business to operate effectively, creates employment opportunities and unlocks regional development.
For more information, visit National Highways’ Severn Bridges webpage.
