M4 Prince of Wales bridge resurfacing

Latest updates

• 18 December 2024

  Update on works - December 2024

  We started a scheme of works to re-waterproof and resurface 1km of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge earlier this year.  

  This was the first major resurfacing and re-waterproofing since the M4 bridge opened in 1996 and essential for the long-term operation of the bridge. We’ve also taken the opportunity to carry out other maintenance work. 

  Work has included:  

  • Removing the existing surfacing and waterproofing layer 
  • Inspecting the concrete bridge deck 
  • Carrying out repairs to the bridge deck 
  • Applying waterproofing system  
  • Resurfacing 
  • Replacing bridge joints 
  • Replacing drainage covers 
  • Undertaking central barrier works 
  • Maintenance to the facilities in the towers  

  Due to unforeseen construction challenges, such as difficulty removing the existing waterproof layer, and the adverse weather we have been experiencing our works are taking longer than expected. 

  Unfortunately, in November damage was also found close to the central reservation during the resurfacing work. This means complex unexpected repair work is now required to ensure the carriageway on the bridge remains safe for motorists to use. 

  We will complete these additional repairs in early 2025. The repair work is expected to complete by April 2025 when we will then start the resurfacing work on the eastbound carriageway. 

  Although it may look like no work is taking place over the Christmas period, we would like to assure motorists that complex design work is ongoing. 

  For safety reasons, traffic management will need to remain on the bridge. Traffic management for the works over the bridge is currently two narrow lanes at 50mph but this will need to change while we complete the repair work in the new year. This may include a reduction in speed and overnight closures. 

  However, we have been able to remove the contraflow and reduce the overall length of the work zone. Once passed the works, the motorway returns to three lanes and a 70mph speed limit has been reinstated.  

  We will need to reinstall the contraflow to enable the eastbound resurfacing to be completed safely. We anticipate removing all traffic restrictions from the bridge by autumn 2025. 

  We have carried out surveys and we are satisfied the bridge is safe for traffic to use. Safety is the number one imperative of National Highway and as with all our major structures we will continue to monitor the bridge. 

  We thank you for your continued understanding and patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

  These works will future proof the surfacing of the bridge and ensure it is fit for purpose for the next 20 years, reducing the need for further unplanned closures, which cause the most disruption to users. 

   

• 27 November 2024

  M4 Prince of Wales Bridge – update on works and upcoming overnight closures - 27 to 30 November 2024

  We’re continuing our works to resurface and repair the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

  Due to the recent heavy rain hampering progress, we will need to continue our current schedule of works into this week.

  This includes works to remove the current contraflow system and the setting up of two lanes running side-by-side in each direction.

  Once in place, the bridge will continue to have two lanes running in each direction until this phase of works is complete. 

  Upcoming closures 

  The following full closures of the bridge are scheduled to take place overnight this week: 

  • Wednesday 27 November (9pm – 6am) overnight westbound closure
  • Thursday 28 November and Friday 29 November (9pm – 6am) full overnight closures of eastbound and westbound carriageways on both nights
  • Saturday 30 November (9pm – 6am) overnight eastbound closure

  A diversion will be in place via the M48 Severn Bridge.

  During these overnight closures we will:

  •    continue resurfacing of the bridge deck
  •    remove the current contraflow system
  •    set up two lanes running side by side in each direction
  •    undertake further surveys and testing of the bridge deck. 
  •    Reinstate barrier at the cross over points

  Please allow extra time for your journey This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example further heavy rain or high winds may affect the progress.

  As with all projects of this scale and on complex structures such as bridges, as works get underway further issues can arise.

  Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather we have been experiencing and some unforeseen construction challenges, our works will need to continue beyond the end of November.

  As soon as we have an updated programme of works, we will share this with you. We thank you for your continued understanding and patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

  Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

• 13 November 2024

  M4 Prince of Wales Bridge – upcoming overnight closures

  We’re continuing our works to resurface and repair the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

  Closures

  The following full closures of the bridge are scheduled to take place overnight: 

  • Monday 18 November - Friday 22 November (between 9pm – 6am each night). Full overnight closures of eastbound and westbound carriageways of the bridge.

  During the overnight closures we will be resurfacing. This work is subject to favourable weather conditions, for example heavy rain may affect the progress.

  We will also be removing the current contraflow to have two lanes running side by side in each direction.

  Diversion

  A diversion will be in place via the M48 Severn Bridge. Please allow extra time for your journey. 

  Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

  For real-time road closure and traffic information in the region, please follow us on X @HighwaysSWEST or @2SevernBridges

• 18 October 2024

  Upcoming overnight closures

  We’re continuing our works to resurface and repair the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

  The following closures are scheduled to take place overnight from 9pm - 6am: 

  • Monday 21 October – Wednesday 23 October. The westbound carriageway 
  • Thursday 24 October. Both the eastbound and westbound carriageways 

  During the overnight closures we will be resurfacing as well moving the current contraflow into its new position ready for the next phase of works.

  A diversion will be in place via the M48 Severn Bridge. Please allow extra time for your journey. 

  Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England website. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

  For real-time road closure and traffic information in the region, please follow us on X @HighwaysSWEST or @2SevernBridges

• 16 October 2024

  Upcoming overnight westbound closures - 16 October - 17 October 2024

  There are two upcoming overnight westbound closures. 

  • Wednesday 16 October and Thursday 17 October 
  • The westbound carriageway will be closed from 9pm – 6am on both nights. 

  This will allow us to prepare for and start resurfacing works. 

  A diversion will be in place via the Severn Bridge. Please allow extra time for your journey.

• 02 October 2024

  Update on our repairs

  Completing westbound repairs and lifting traffic restrictions

  We’ve found we need to do more work to ensure the bridge remains in good condition for years to come.

  Often, it’s only when we start a complex job like this that we find out how much work we need to do.

  We need to carry out more work to expand the waterproofing layer:

  • into the verge of the carriageway
  • to the edge of the bridge.

  This will ensure strength and durability. We’re also making additional safety improvements including:

  • replacing the kerb in front of the safety barrier and drainage gullies
  • applying antiskid material between the safety barrier and the bridge edge to further protect the surface.

  With weather starting to change, we’ve decided to focus on completing our repairs and improvements on the westbound carriageway. We aim to lift traffic restrictions by the end of November.

  Postponing eastbound works until summer 2025 at the earliest 

  We won't start work on the eastbound side of the bridge until next summer at the earliest. This because there's a higher risk of the M48 Severn Bridge being closed due to bad winter weather and high winds.

  We’ll provide more information once dates are confirmed.

  In the meantime, we'll use the knowledge we've gained this year so we can

  • work faster in future
  • minimise disruption

  We'll continue inspecting the bridge to ensure it remains in sound condition until the next stage of our work.

  Thank you for your patience

  We understand the importance of the bridges to communities and businesses on both sides of the River Severn.

  We also appreciate it's frustrating that this scheme will take longer than planned.

  However, it's important that we take the time to do the job to the highest standard. This will keep the bridge strong and safe, so we're less likely to need repairs in future.

  Closure information for Prince of Wales Bridge

  Please remember, we sometimes need to carry out urgent repairs that require the bridge to be closed.

  You can check the latest information on our dedicated Severn Bridges page.

  You can check our latest planned closures on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England site. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.

• 09 September 2024

  Lane closures and contraflow in place

  A lane is now closed in each direction, with a contraflow and a reduced speed limit on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as we work to resurface and repair the central section of the bridge - the first time it has been done since the bridge opened in 1996.

  We’ve also closed a lane on the M49 on the approach to the M4 junction 22 roundabout to help traffic safely move onto the Prince of Wales Bridge and into the roadworks. This should help reduce congestion on the motorway, roundabout and for anyone joining the M4. We’ll continue to monitor the traffic around the area and make any further changes as necessary to help keep everyone safe and moving. Thank you for patience and consideration of others during these essential works.  

  Signage on both sides of the bridge provides live travel information for the M4 and M48 to help you plan your journey. When approaching the bridge, please follow signage. 

  We’ll need some overnight closures as our work progresses to allow us to move the contraflow, ensuring we can carry out work across the full width of the carriageway. Keep an eye on our social media channels and here for more details.

  Closure information for the Prince of Wales bridge

  We'll provide details of any full closures here as our work progresses. Remember to plan ahead and check before you travel.

  We've had to postpone our closures to move the contraflow to the next phase. We'll provide more information here once new dates are confirmed.

  Progress

  We'll be regularly sharing pictures and videos of our work so you can see what's happening within the closure.

  Here's a quick summary of what we're doing

  We’re resurfacing and carrying out concrete repairs on the Prince of Wales Bridge that carries the M4 over the Severn Estuary. Once complete, it will improve the road surface for motorists, ensure we keep the bridge structure in good condition by waterproofing, and reduce the need for unplanned repairs moving forward.

  This work is being carried out using a mixture of overnight and lane closures, with a temporary contraflow and reduced speed limit on the bridge to keep two lanes open in each direction.

  The contraflow was set up in July and will be in place until our work is finished. This is currently expected to be at the end of autumn, but we’ll be doing everything we can to get the work done as quickly as possible.

  Please remember that closure details can change at short notice. For the most up-to-date information on dates, times and locations, check our daily closures page.

  Diversion routes will be clearly signposted. Please don't follow your satnav during any closure and check your journey before you travel. 

  If you have any queries about this work, please contact us by email: info@nationalhighways.co.uk or call 0300 123 5000.