The recent announcement of weight restrictions on the 59-year-old M48 Severn Bridge highlights a continuing challenge for traffic throughout South Wales that could have been mitigated with better planning and investment.
The Welsh Conservatives are deeply concerned about the potential economic and logistical consequences for businesses, commuters, and local communities across Wales.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secrteay for Transport and Infrastructure, Sam Rowlands MS, said, “The Welsh economy is heavily reliant on the two Severn bridges, and this decision will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the Welsh economy.
“Businesses, hauliers, and commuters will all bear the brunt of increased congestion, particularly on the Prince of Wales Bridge, which is already struggling due to ongoing roadworks.
“If the Welsh Labour Government hadn’t scrapped the M4 relief road—after spending £157 million of taxpayers’ money on planning—it could have gone a long way toward alleviating these traffic concerns. The failure to implement this vital infrastructure project has left motorists and businesses without a crucial solution to manage growing traffic demands.”
The Department of Transport, which manages the original Severn Crossing, has introduced a 7.5 tonnes weight limit on the structure after an examination found corrosion of the support cables indicated it could fail and the carriageway be compromised so a more detailed survey has now started before any cable replacement is considered with a potential bill running into hundreds of millions of pounds and a very lengthy closure or partial closure would be necessary.
A number of businesses including food distribution centres have been established immediately next to the Chepstow, Wales end of the crossing and reaching them requires a detour of between 15 and 100 miles depending on traffic, weather and routing restrictions. This impacts on just in time deliveries to centres and customers of them, plus drivers’ hours and added fuel and maintenance costs for vehicles.
