Drivers are facing two months of delays on the M48 Severn Bridge after a major resurfacing trial commenced over the weekend.

The work, which runs until 27 September, will see a 200-metre section of the bridge’s western carriageway be resurfaced, forcing the bridge down to a single lane each way with a 30mph limit and occasional full closures, says Bristol Live.

The main portion of the project will take place from 8pm on Saturday 8 August until 8pm on Friday 18 September, when half of the bridge will be closed. During this time, motorists will still be able to travel in both directions using the eastern carriageway, which will be restricted to a single lane each way with a speed limit of 30mph and average speed cameras in place.

Until Saturday 8 August road and lane closures will be in place to allow for the temporary traffic system to be set up. Travel will also be disrupted while the temporary system is dismantled between 18 and 27 September.

The aim of August and September’s trial is to test whether or not a new 35mm surface can be laid using a machine. The work is taking place over the summer holidays, which according to National Highways is the quietest time of year for traffic on the bridge.

“We know the bridges are a key economic link between England and Wales,” a message on the agency’s website said.

“We’re doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum. We’ll be working over the summer period as this is primarily a commuter route and the quietest time of the year for traffic on the bridge.”

(Picture: Paul Hutton/Highways News)