THE M48 Severn Bridge will be closed next weekend to allow essential maintenance work to take place between the Beachley Viaduct and the Wye Bridge sections.

During the closure, from 6am on Saturday, September 21 to 6pm on Sunday September 22, work will be carried out on one of the bridge’s expansion joints. These joints allow a bridge structure to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature.

“The Severn Bridge is a vital transport link between England and Wales, and this work will help keep it operating safely for many years to come," said Chris Pope of the Highways Agency.

“We have planned the work carefully to cause the least possible disruption to road users and will also be taking the opportunity during the closures to carry out other work such as minor surfacing repairs, maintenance work to barriers and painting posts to reduce the need for traffic management in the future.

“The work is being carried out when traffic flows are lowest, but road users are advised to plan ahead and allow longer for their journeys.”

*While the bridge is closed, signed diversions will be in place as follows:

Road users travelling westbound to Chepstow should use the M4 Second Severn Crossing, exit at J23a (Magor), then follow the M4 eastbound, then follow the M48 to Chepstow.

Eastbound traffic should follow the M48 westbound then join the M4 eastbound at J23a (Magor) and use the M4 Second Severn Crossing.