News from National Highways:
During a recent inspection a safety critical defect impacting an expansion joint on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (PoWB) has been identified. In order to avoid further deterioration an emergency closure of the M4 PoWB is required.
To complete the work, the eastbound carriageway between J23 & J22 will be closed overnight on Wednesday 15 October, between 10pm and 6am, while the expansion joint is repaired. Regular inspections are taking place in the meantime and while the structure remains safe to traffic the works are essential to prevent further deterioration.
As this is an emergency closure, cars and light vehicles will be diverted via the M48 Severn Bridge, while HGVs over 7.5 tonnes will follow the approved heavy vehicle diversion route from M4 junction 24, along the A449, A40 and M50 to join the M5 at junction 8 until junction 15, and rejoin the M4 at the Almondsbury interchange.
The M48 weight restriction remains in place during the closure as these are emergency works and there is insufficient time to safely implement the necessary arrangements to manage freight over the M48 during this closure.
We acknowledge the impact on drivers, particularly hauliers, and are grateful for your patience while this essential safety work is completed.
In order to reduce the impact of works in the area we have postponed the closures on the M48 Severn Bridge overnight planned for Thursday 16 & Friday 17 October.
During the work, drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio, the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com