WORK by Highways England to create a toll-free journey for drivers heading into Wales will start next month, with both bridges undergoing changes.

Severn Bridges General Manager Hannah Milliner said: “The weekend we have chosen avoids peak period traffic and also means that the work will be complete so that drivers can make journeys free of charge over the festive period.

“We would like to thank drivers in advance for their patience while we carry out this work and to ask them to plan ahead for any journeys they are considering.”

From 9am on Friday 14th December three lanes will be closed on the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge to allow work to start, with the M48 ‘Old Severn Bridge’ operating as usual.

At 8pm the Prince of Wales Bridge will be fully closed westbound and drivers will be diverted via the M48 bridge.

Over the weekend the Prince of Wales Bridge will be running with three lanes closed from 6am to 8pm on Saturday 15th and 6am to 7pm on Sunday 16th, and will be fully closed westbound overnight with drivers diverted via the M48.

On Monday 17th December, the Prince of Wales Bridge will reopen with three free-flowing narrow lanes, with a 50mph speed limit. 

Shortly after the Prince of Wales Bridge reopens on 17th December, the M48 bridge will be fully closed westbound, reopening on the morning of 19th December with two free-flowing narrow lanes with a 50mph speed limit.

Further work will be carried out in 2019, returning both routes to normal 70mph speed limit motorways.

“This is a significant piece of work which is far more complex than simply removing toll booths,” said Hannah. “We want to make sure that journeys can be completed safely and free of charge by the end of the year and will then focus on the next stage of work.”

Other changes taking place include the closure of the M4 Rogiet Tag office. Information for Tag holders has been provided directly to account holders.

Drivers can find more information at www.severnbridge.co.uk