A new signalling system to allow heavy goods vehicles to cross the M48 Severn Bridge is set to be installed but don’t hold your breath, drivers as it won’t happen for at least a year. 

The South Wales Argus reports that the bridge, closed to vehicles weighing 7.5 tonnes or more since May, could have those restrictions lifted by October 2026 using a signal system to allow controlled crossings over the structure which first opened in September 1966. 

Lorries, including many needing to access and exit industrial estates in the Chepstow area, have had to take a 13 mile detour and use the M4 Prince of Wales bridge. 

Monmouthshire County Council and politicians in Gwent have been calling for a solution to allow heavy goods vehicles to access the bridge with National Highways having said it was working on a medium term and long term solution with the weight restriction having expected to be in place for 18 months. 

The signal system is intended to control the number of heavy goods vehicles and ensure there are never too many crossing at one time. 

National Highways has said it is looking at two options at both Junctions one and two, of the M48, to manage loads which would allow HGVs back across the bridge without overloading its cables. 

lan Feist, programme leader for National Highways, said safety has been its “number one priority” and while the bridge “remains safe” it wasn’t designed for the level, or weight, of traffic using the roads today. 

He said: “We appreciate that this has been disruptive for businesses and hauliers, but we have been working at pace on these options and are pleased to be in on track to get HGVs back onto the M48 bridge next year.” 

(Pic: Paul Hutton/Highways News)(