Gloucestershire hauliers to be affected by Severn Bridge weight limits
The Severn Bridge will be closed to HGVs over 7.5 tonnes.
National Highways is set to introduce a weight limit for heavy goods vehicles using the M48 Severn Bridge.
It’s in an aim to future-proof the bridge after safety concerns were raised after recent inspections of the support cables which were found to be deteriorating.
The weight limits will help minimise further damage to the bridge and only heavy goods vehicles up to 7.5-tonnes will be able to use the crossing.
From Tuesday 27 May, heavy goods vehicles over 7.5-tonnes will need to use the Prince of Wales Bridge to travel between England and Wales.
This has raised concerns amongst hauliers about what will happen if the Prince of Wales Bridge has to close.
James Barwise from the Road Haulage Association told Greatest Hits Radio: “We know that the Prince of Wales Bridge can often suffer from unplanned closures.
“When that happens and both bridges are out of action, it means that drivers are going to have to go all the way around via Gloucester.
“Which is around a 100 mile trip both ways and that adds huge time and cost onto drivers’ journeys.”
The weight restriction is set to be in place for between 12 and 18 months, dependant on further investigations by National Highways.
The two lanes on the M48 bridge will remain open to all other vehicles.
Chris Pope, Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and this weight restriction is about future-proofing the bridge for years to come.
“Whilst the bridge remains safe, it was not designed and built for today’s levels or weight of traffic.
“Vehicles have got heavier and traffic levels have increased significantly over the last 60 years putting greater load on the cables.
“As with all our structures, we will continue to monitor the bridge and ensure it remains safe for users.”