The Severn Bridge, which links South Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire, has been closed to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes since May 2025 after inspections revealed deterioration in its suspension cables. The ban, initially expected to last 12 to 18 months, has forced lorries onto the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, adding about 14 miles to journeys.
National Highways now says it is on track to introduce a system that will control HGV access and spread vehicles across the bridge to reduce strain on its cables. The agency is considering options at junctions one and two of the M48 and is engaging with local authorities, businesses and hauliers ahead of implementation.
Alan Feist, from National Highways, said the 60-year-old bridge “was not designed and built for today’s levels or weight of traffic” and warned that without restrictions, “continued use of the bridge by heavier vehicles could ultimately see it closed to all traffic”.
The M48 Severn Bridge carries around 32,000 vehicles a day, with HGVs accounting for about 10% of traffic. Since the restrictions came into force, police and enforcement agencies have used ANPR cameras and targeted operations to ensure compliance, with most operators reported to be observing the ban.
The proposed signalling system is expected to operate freely most of the time, with National Highways stating it would result in “very little delay” for hauliers. Subject to consultation and development, it aims to be in place by October 2026.
