Local authorities have warned that the upcoming weight restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge will lead to "unacceptable" levels of congestion in the area, impacting thousands of drivers.
On May 27, vehicles weighing over 7.5 tonnes will be banned from using the bridge for an estimated 12 to 18 months.
The restriction comes after reports found deterioration and weakening of the main bridge cables, with urgent action needed to repair the damage.
National Highways has now determined that reducing the load on these cables is necessary to keep the bridge open for most traffic. From next week, HGVs will instead need to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, creating concerns about increased traffic at key junctions.
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The restrictions will be in place for at least 12 months
PA/NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Emergency vehicles, gritters, recovery vehicles, buses and coaches will be exempt from the weight restriction, even if they exceed 7.5 tonnes.
All other heavy goods vehicles must follow a 14-mile diversion route via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge to cross the Severn Estuary.
During planned overnight closures of the Prince of Wales Bridge, additional control measures will allow HGVs over 7.5 tonnes to use the M48 Severn Bridge under monitored conditions.
However, during unplanned closures, these vehicles will need to follow an official diversion route via the M5 and M50, adding approximately 100 miles to journeys.
However, Monmouthshire County Council's Deputy Leader, Councillor Paul Griffiths, has expressed concernabout the impact on local businesses, particularly those at Newhouse Farm Industrial sites.
"There is deep concern among the businesses I have met, and questions are being asked on how businesses can remain viable in Chepstow on the Newhouse Farm industrial estate," he said.
He highlighted that businesses are particularly worried about the Magor junction, where vehicles will need to turn back after crossing the M4 bridge. "They know that whenever they need to turn back at this junction, the congestion has been unacceptable," Griffiths warned.
Last week, the council unanimously resolved that both the UK and Welsh Governments must address these concerns immediately.
The new weight restrictions will push thousands of HGVs on detoured routes
GETTY"We are asking for immediate action to improve the Magor junction and to provide a new junction at Rogiet," said Griffiths.
The council has also called for the Governments to "work quickly to develop new measures to manage the load on the M48 so that usage by all haulage vehicles can be resumed".
Businesses have specifically asked about potential improvements to the Magor junction, measures to reduce bridge load within the next 18 months, and the possibility of creating new access to the M48 from Rogiet to alleviate congestion.
National Highways had explained that the M48 Severn Bridge, which is now almost 60 years old, faces challenges from both corrosion and increased traffic volumes. Since tolls were removed in 2018, traffic has increased by 34 per cent, significantly adding to the load on the structure.
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The bridge has a weaker structure due to more vehicles crossing it dailyNATIONAL HIGHWAYSThe council leadership will now meet with the Welsh Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, to discuss these concerns, with hopes that a solution will be created for HGVs.
"We value our businesses. We will keep talking with them. And we will be representing business interests on this and all other matters," Griffiths added.
