Severn Bridge Status December 2025: Is the Severn Bridge Open? Live Closures & Updates

Quick Answer: Both Severn Bridges are FREE to cross (no toll since 2018). The M48 has a permanent 7.5t HGV restriction and closes in high winds (40+ knots). For live status, check National Highways.

Current Restrictions

M4 Prince of Wales Bridge: No restrictions. Remains open in most weather conditions.

M48 Severn Bridge:

⚠️ HGVs over 7.5 tonnes prohibited (since 27 May 2025 due to cable condition)
Closes in high winds (40+ knots) - check National Highways for live status

For real-time status: National Highways Severn Bridges or @2SevernBridges on X

Askable Questions About the Severn Bridge

"Is the Severn Bridge open?"

Both bridges are typically open unless there are high winds or planned maintenance. The M48 has a permanent 7.5 tonne weight restriction, so HGVs must use the M4 bridge. For live status, check National Highways.

"Is the Severn Bridge open today?"

Both bridges are usually open unless there are high winds (40+ knots) or planned maintenance. Check National Highways or @2SevernBridges for live updates.

"Is the old Severn Bridge open today?"

The "old" Severn Bridge refers to the M48, built in the 1960s. It's usually open but closes more frequently than the M4 due to high winds and its lack of wind barriers. Check National Highways for live status.

"Is the Severn Bridge open right now?"

For real-time status, visit National Highways Severn Bridges or follow @2SevernBridges on X. The M48 closes in winds over 40 knots; the M4 stays open longer.

"How long is the Severn Bridge?"

The M48 Severn Bridge is approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) long. The newer M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (Second Severn Crossing) is 5.1 km (3.2 miles) long.

"Is there a toll on the Severn Bridge?"

No, tolls were removed from both Severn Bridges in December 2018. Crossing between England and Wales is now completely free in both directions.

"How much is the Severn Bridge toll?"

The Severn Bridge toll was abolished on 17 December 2018. There is no charge to cross either the M48 Severn Bridge or M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

"Why does the Severn Bridge close in high winds?"

The M48 Severn Bridge closes when wind gusts exceed 40 knots (46mph) because it lacks the wind barriers that the newer M4 bridge has. The Severn Estuary funnels strong gusts across the bridges, making it dangerous for vehicles.

"What's the weight limit on the M48 Severn Bridge?"

Since 27 May 2025, HGVs over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited on the M48 Severn Bridge due to main cable condition. Heavy vehicles must use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge instead.

"What is the difference between the two Severn Bridges?"

The M48 Severn Bridge (1966) is older, shorter (1.6km), has 2 lanes each way, and closes in high winds. The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (1996) is newer, longer (5.1km), has 3 lanes each way, and has wind barriers so stays open longer.

"Can I walk or cycle across the Severn Bridge?"

Yes, the M48 Severn Bridge has a shared foot and cycle path on the south side. It's free to use and offers stunning views. The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge has no pedestrian access.

"Which Severn Bridge should I use?"

For most journeys to Cardiff or Newport, use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge. For Chepstow or the Wye Valley, the M48 may be more convenient. HGVs over 7.5t must use the M4. In high winds, use the M4 as the M48 closes first.

Planned Severn Bridge Closures

Source: National Highways - 3 December 2025

This Week (03/12/2025 to 09/12/2025)

No bridge closures currently scheduled.

Check back regularly for updates, or visit the National Highways Severn Bridges page for the latest information.

Recent Closures & Updates

December 2025

No closures reported

Weight Restriction Notice (27 May 2025)

M48 Severn Bridge: HGVs over 7.5 tonnes banned
Reason: Main bridge cable condition
Alternative: Use M4 Prince of Wales Bridge
Duration: Until further notice

Understanding the Severn Bridges

M48 Severn Bridge (The "Old" Bridge)

Opened: 1966
Length: 1.6 km (1 mile)
Type: Suspension bridge
Connects: Aust (England) to Chepstow (Wales)
Lanes: 2 lanes each direction
Current Restrictions: No HGVs over 7.5t, closes in high winds (40+ knots)

M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (Second Severn Crossing)

Opened: 1996
Length: 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
Type: Cable-stayed bridge
Connects: M4 motorway direct route
Lanes: 3 lanes each direction
Wind Protection: Has barriers reducing wind effects

Which Bridge Should I Use?

HGVs over 7.5t → Use M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (M48 banned for heavy vehicles)
High winds → Use M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (M48 closes first due to no wind barriers)
Cardiff/Newport → Use M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (more direct route)
Chepstow/Wye Valley → Use M48 Severn Bridge (closer access point)
Normal conditions → Either bridge - both are toll-free

High Winds: When Do the Bridges Close?

The M48 Severn Bridge is more vulnerable to wind due to its older design:

30 knots (35mph) winds:

M48 Severn Bridge: 40mph speed limit imposed
M4 Prince of Wales Bridge: Normal operations

35 knots (40mph) winds:

M48 Severn Bridge: Leeward lanes closed
M4 Prince of Wales Bridge: Normal operations

40 knots (46mph) winds:

M48 Severn Bridge: ❌ CLOSED
M4 Prince of Wales Bridge: ✅ Open

70 knots (80mph) winds:

M48 Severn Bridge: ❌ CLOSED
M4 Prince of Wales Bridge: ❌ CLOSED

During M48 closure: Traffic diverted to M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.

If both bridges closed: Diversion via M5, M50, A40, and A449.

Alternative Routes to Wales

If both Severn Bridges are closed:

Via M50/A40 (Recommended)

Route: M5 → M50 → A40 → A449 → Wales
Distance: Adds ~30 miles
Time: Adds ~45-60 minutes
Best For: Most destinations in South Wales

Via A48/Gloucester

Route: M5 → A40 → Gloucester → A48 → Chepstow
Distance: Adds ~40 miles
Time: Adds ~60-90 minutes
Best For: Destinations near Chepstow

Severn Bridge Near Me: Location Guide

English Side

Bristol - 15 miles from M4 bridge (25 mins)
Bath - 30 miles from M4 bridge (40 mins)
Gloucester - 35 miles (alternative route via A40)
Swindon - 45 miles from M4 bridge (50 mins)
London - 130 miles from M4 bridge (2 hours)

Welsh Side

Newport - 5 miles from M4 bridge (10 mins)
Cardiff - 15 miles from M4 bridge (20 mins)
Chepstow - 2 miles from M48 bridge (5 mins)
Monmouth - 15 miles from M48 bridge (25 mins)
Swansea - 60 miles from M4 bridge (1 hour)

Bristol to Wales: Severn Bridge Route

The Severn Bridges provide the main route from Bristol to Wales:

Bristol to Cardiff via Severn Bridge

Distance: 45 miles
Time: 50-60 minutes
Route: M4 westbound → M4 Prince of Wales Bridge → M4 to Cardiff
Toll: Free (abolished 2018)

Bristol to Newport via Severn Bridge

Distance: 30 miles
Time: 35-40 minutes
Route: M4 westbound → M4 Prince of Wales Bridge → Newport
Toll: Free

Bristol to Chepstow via Severn Bridge

Distance: 20 miles
Time: 25-30 minutes
Route: M4/M48 → M48 Severn Bridge → Chepstow
Best Bridge: M48 (more direct for Chepstow)

Severn Bridge History & Facts

Timeline

1966: M48 Severn Bridge opens (replaced ferry service)
1996: M4 Prince of Wales Bridge opens (Second Severn Crossing)
2018: Tolls abolished (previously £6.70 for cars)
2025: 7.5t HGV restriction on M48 due to cable condition

Interesting Facts

The M48 Severn Bridge was the world's first modern suspension bridge
Over 25 million vehicles cross the bridges annually
The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge is the longest bridge in the UK with a road crossing
Walking across the M48 takes approximately 30-40 minutes
The bridges saved 50+ miles compared to the old route via Gloucester

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a toll on the Severn Bridge?

No. Tolls were abolished on 17 December 2018. Both bridges are now free to cross.

Why is the M48 Severn Bridge closed to HGVs?

Due to the condition of the main bridge cables, National Highways implemented a 7.5 tonne weight restriction from 27 May 2025 to reduce load on the bridge and keep it open for lighter traffic.

How do I check if the Severn Bridge is open?

Check this page for live updates, or visit National Highways, or follow @2SevernBridges on X (Twitter).

Does the Severn Bridge have speed cameras?

Yes, average speed cameras operate on both bridges.

Can I walk or cycle across the Severn Bridge?

Yes, the M48 Severn Bridge has a shared foot and cycle path. This usually remains open even during wind closures (unless there's a critical incident or severe storm).

What happens if I'm an HGV driver and use the M48?

HGVs over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited on the M48. Enforcement is in place and you may receive a fine. Use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge instead.

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Official Information Sources

Dart Charge Guide 2025 - Dartford Crossing payment guide
Dartford Crossing Closures - Live closure updates
Blackwall & Silvertown Tunnel Charges - London tunnel crossings
M6 Toll Guide 2025 - M6 Toll costs and payment

Planning a journey across the Severn? Stay informed with AutoChain's live updates.

About the Author: The AutoChain Team monitors official sources to provide accurate, up-to-date traffic information for UK drivers crossing between England and Wales.