M48 - Strong winds

The M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire is closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) due to strong winds.

Road users are advised to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternate route.

Our South West Regional Operations Centre are monitoring the wind speeds and will reopen the bridge as soon as the wind speeds reduce to a safe level.

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional 'X' feed. Our 24/7 customer contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.

Why is the M48 Severn Bridge affected more by strong winds than the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge?

During windy conditions the Severn Estuary can funnel strong gusts across the bridges, which can be hazardous to traffic.

The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge has barriers which reduce the effects of these gusts. However, the older design of the M48 Severn Bridge didn’t include these barriers, and we sometimes need to restrict access to the Severn Bridge for the safety of our road users. When this happens, traffic is diverted on to the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

We use dedicated forecasts and monitoring equipment on the bridge, which are more useful than forecasts found in the media and wind speeds measured in neighbouring communities.

When we expect gusts above 40 knots (46mph), we close the Severn Bridge to all traffic until the wind speeds have dropped.

If wind speeds exceed 70 knots (80mph), both bridges are closed. Traffic can still travel between England and Wales by following a diversion using the M5, M50, A40 and A449.

Find out more about the Severn Bridges on our dedicated page here.