Overview
- National Highways closed the M4 crossing from 8pm to 6am to carry out safety removals after inspections identified an immediate risk to multiple lighting columns.
- With the M4 shut, traffic is being diverted via the M48 Severn Bridge, where lorries are permitted in controlled convoys of 10 under temporary traffic controls and police oversight.
- Earlier in the day two of three lanes were closed in both directions on the M4 bridge, leaving a single lane each way and producing delays reported up to about 112 minutes.
- Work is weather dependent, with the M48 subject to closure when gusts exceed roughly 46mph as authorities monitor conditions and adjust restrictions.
- Once the columns are removed, the M4 crossing will remain unlit at night with a 40mph advisory speed limit, and further lane or overnight closures could follow if required to complete the remediation.