Severn Bridge to Ban Heavy Lorries Over 7.5 Tonnes Due to Cable Deterioration
A recent safety inspection of the iconic Severn Bridge has revealed significant deterioration in the load-bearing cables, prompting authorities to implement weight restrictions on the crossing. The move aims to prevent further damage to the structure and ensure the safety of all users. As a result, from next month onwards, heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will be prohibited from using the Severn Bridge and will be directed to the second M4 crossing for their cross-border journeys.
National Highways, the agency responsible for managing the bridge, has emphasised that while the Severn Bridge is currently safe for use, it was not originally designed to accommodate the modern levels of traffic and the weight of contemporary commercial vehicles. The increasing heaviness of vehicles and the rise in traffic levels over the past six decades have put substantial strain on the bridge’s cables, necessitating this weight restriction.
Chris Pope, programme delivery manager for National Highways, underscored the importance of prioritising safety and ensuring the longevity of the bridge for future generations. He pointed out that the evolving landscape of transportation, with heavier vehicles and higher traffic volumes, has necessitated this proactive measure to safeguard the bridge’s structural integrity. National Highways is committed to monitoring the bridge continuously to uphold safety standards.
The weight restriction imposed on the Severn Bridge will commence on Tuesday, May 27, and is anticipated to remain in effect for up to 18 months. During this period, heavy goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes will be prohibited from using the bridge, while all other traffic will continue to have access. Last year, the bridge witnessed a daily traffic volume of 32,000 vehicles, a number that has surged since the abolition of tolls in 2018.
It is essential to note that the weight restriction on heavy goods vehicles is a preventive measure to address the deterioration observed in the bridge’s load-bearing cables. National Highways has underscored that the ban is crucial in reducing the load on the cables and facilitating the installation of a system to manage lorry numbers effectively. Failure to comply with this restriction may lead to the eventual closure of the bridge to all traffic, highlighting the significance of adhering to this directive.
The M48 Severn Bridge, which has served as a vital link between Wales and England for nearly six decades, has faced challenges related to corrosion in its main suspension cables due to exposure to harsh weather conditions in the Bristol Channel. The recent assessments and interventions conducted on the bridge have revealed the necessity of implementing measures to preserve its structural integrity and ensure the safety of all users.
Despite the weight restriction imposed on heavy goods vehicles, the Severn Bridge will remain accessible to emergency vehicles, scheduled buses, coaches, gritters, and recovery vehicles throughout the ban’s duration. National Highways has assured that this temporary restriction will pave the way for the development and implementation of a medium-term solution to manage heavy goods vehicle traffic effectively on the bridge, thereby safeguarding its long-term viability.
In conclusion, the weight restrictions on heavy goods vehicles on the Severn Bridge underscore the imperative of prioritising safety and structural integrity in the face of evolving transportation needs. By proactively addressing the deterioration in the load-bearing cables, National Highways is taking the necessary steps to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this vital transport link between Wales and England.