…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
Which roads are affected?
In the upcoming week, significant closures will be implemented on main routes between Cardiff and Bristol to facilitate extensive roadworks.
The second phase of the roadworks scheme will result in closures on the M4, M48, and M49, potentially leading to a 100-mile detour for drivers of larger vehicles.
Closure details and affected roads
The closures will impact the following roads:
1. The eastbound section of the M4 between junction 23A (Magor) and junction 22 (Pilning).
2. The M49 on the Bristol side of the new Severn Bridge.
3. The eastbound section of the M48, starting from its junction with the M4 at Magor and extending to junction two at Chepstow.
Closure schedule
From May 30 to the morning of June 2, both roads will be completely closed between 8pm and 6am every night from Tuesday to Thursday.
The closure of the M48 is intended to restrict access to the roadworks area on the M4.
Diversions and impacts
Motorists traveling from south Wales to Bristol on the M4 will be directed off the motorway and redirected along the A48 to Chepstow.
They will then proceed over the old Severn Bridge via the M48.
However, drivers of vehicles over 15 feet high, including lorries, trucks, and double-decker buses, will be subjected to a significantly longer diversion. They will be guided up the M50 to Gloucestershire and then back down the M5.
As a result, what is normally a 17-mile journey from Newport to the Almondsbury Interchange will extend to approximately 100 miles.
The closure will also impact the M49, with no traffic permitted over the Prince of Wales Bridge.
All drivers will be directed to take the M5 towards Avonmouth instead.
Purpose of the roadworks
Highways Wales has stated that they are undertaking “essential works to carriageway patch repairs at various locations.”
This marks the second phase of the roadworks, following the completion of the westbound side with three overnight closures last week.