Severn Bridge Status: Live Updates & Closures 2025

Severn Bridge Status: Live Updates & Closures 2025

Quick Answer: Both 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 updates, check National Highways or see current status below.

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Current Status (Updated Daily)

M4 Prince of Wales Bridge: 🟢 OPEN - both directions

M48 Severn Bridge:

• 🟢 OPEN (check below for current restrictions)
• ⚠️ 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 updates

Get Live Updates:

• This page updates daily with the latest status
• For real-time updates: National Highways Severn Bridges or @2SevernBridges on X
• Information is automatically refreshed

Last updated: Daily - Check back for the latest updates

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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?" or "Severn Bridge status today live?"

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

"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.

"Prince of Wales bridge open or closed today?"

To check if the Prince of Wales bridge is open or closed today, visit National Highways for real-time status. The Prince of Wales bridge (M4) typically stays open longer than the M48 during high winds due to its wind barriers. For live updates, check @2SevernBridges on X or see the status section above.

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Planned Severn Bridge Closures

Source: National Highways - 2 February 2026

This Week (02/02/2026 to 08/02/2026)

No bridge closures currently scheduled.

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

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Recent Closures & Updates

February 2026

• 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

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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

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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.

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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

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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)

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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)

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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

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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? / Severn Bridge status today live?

Check this page for live status - we update it daily with the latest information. For real-time updates, visit National Highways, or follow @2SevernBridges on X (Twitter). This page provides updates automatically.

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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Why Choose AutoChain for Severn Bridge Updates?

No Ads, No Spam - Just Information

• Clean, ad-free experience
• Direct information from official sources
• Fast-loading page
• Updated daily automatically
• Real-time status information

Official Information Sources

• National Highways - Severn Bridges
• @2SevernBridges on X
• Traffic England

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Service History & Maintenance

• What is a Digital Service History? - 2025 UK drivers guide
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• Seasonal Care Knowledge Base - Weather-focused maintenance advice for wind, rain, and winter travel

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Planning a journey across the Severn? Get live status updates with AutoChain's daily updates. Check if the bridge is open right now.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Severn Crossings

Do I need to pay a toll to use the Severn Bridge? No. The tolls on the Severn Crossings were permanently abolished by the UK government in December 2018. Before abolition, westbound traffic crossing from England into Wales paid tolls of up to £6.70 for cars and significantly more for commercial vehicles. Since abolition, both the Prince of Wales Bridge (M4) and the Severn Bridge (M48) have been free to use in both directions, 24 hours a day. There are no plans to reintroduce tolls. The crossings are maintained by Highways England (now National Highways) and the Welsh Government in a joint arrangement following their reversion from the private operator to public ownership.

What are the height and weight restrictions on the Severn bridges? Both Severn crossings have restrictions that affect some vehicles. The Prince of Wales Bridge (M4) has height restrictions in the enclosed maintenance galleries that affect abnormal loads — standard vehicles are unaffected. The original Severn Bridge (M48) has more significant restrictions: vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited, and the bridge closes to high-sided vehicles, motorcycles, and cyclists in high wind conditions. In severe weather, both bridges may be closed entirely to all traffic. National Highways posts live closures on their website and via the motorway signage system. Drivers of caravans, motorhomes, and large vans should check conditions before travel, particularly in autumn and winter when strong westerly winds are common.

Are there alternative routes if the Severn Crossings close? Yes, though alternatives involve significantly longer journeys. If both Severn Crossings close simultaneously — which is rare but does occur in severe storm conditions — the nearest alternative crossing is the Gloucester crossing via the A417, adding approximately 45–60 minutes to journeys between South Wales and Bristol. Drivers travelling further north can use the Wye Valley route via Chepstow or the Welsh border roads via Monmouth. Journey time planning apps will typically reroute automatically in the event of closures. It is worth monitoring National Highways and Traffic Wales social media and websites before setting off in adverse weather conditions during winter months.