Busy motorway bridge used by 80,000 Brits every day suddenly CLOSES for emergency works – check full diversion routes
A BUSY motorway bridge used by 80,000 Brits a day has closed suddenly for emergency works.
The vital crossing, which measures over 16,000ft, has been shut down on one side for “carriageway repairs“.
The unexpected closure was announced last night on X, with highway bosses saying they “have no estimated time for re-opening”.
The Prince of Wales Bridge, which opened in 1996, crosses the River Severn just north of Bristol, connecting the city with Newport and Cardiff via the M4.
It, along with the nearby Severn Bridge, was designed to slash journey times between Wales and the South West by saving drivers from looping around Gloucester only to miles back down the riverbank.
But the route into Wales has fallen silent today as emergency resurfacing is carried out on the westbound carriageway.
All lanes are shut between J21 and J23 in that direction, which includes the entire length of the bridge.
Traffic is still able to cross travelling eastbound.
Diversion routes are in place for westbound motorists via the M48.
A statement from the Severen Bridges X account read: “The M4 is closed westbound between J21 M48 Split and J23 Rogiet Prince of Wales Bridge for an emergency resurfacing operation.
“All traffic is being diverted via the M48 Severn Bridge.
“At this time we don’t have an estimated time for re-opening. As soon as it’s safe, we’ll re-open the carriageway.
“We have also set signs in advance so if it’s on, you’ll see those.
“Thank you for your patience this evening.”
Updates on the closure can be found on social media, on the National Highways website or by calling 0300 123 5000
Where is the diversion?
Drivers travelling westbound on the M4 will be diverted around the Prince of Wales Bridge.
If your journey is affected, you will have to leave the M4 at J21 when the single roads splits into two.
Rather than continuing on the M4, you will head north-west onto the M48 through southern Gloucestershire.
This will carry you onto the Severn Bridge, allowing you to cross the river.
Once you’re on the other side, you can head south on the M48 for around eight miles to rejoin the M4 before heading on towards South Wales.
A spokesperson for National Highways added: “The M4 Prince of Wales bridge is closed westbound between J21 (M48 Split) and J23 (Rogiet) for emergency carriageway repairs.
“National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene providing traffic management with service providers en route to carry out the repairs.
“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.”