Busy motorway bridge used by 80,000 Brits every day suddenly CLOSES for emergency works – check full diversion routes

A BUSY motorway span utilized by 80,000 Brits a time has closed abruptly for exigency works.

The captious crossing, which measures implicit 16,000ft, has been unopen down connected 1 broadside for "carriageway repairs".

The unexpected closure was announced past nighttime connected X, with road bosses saying they "have nary estimated clip for re-opening".

The Prince of Wales Bridge, which opened successful 1996, crosses the River Severn conscionable northbound of Bristol, connecting the metropolis with Newport and Cardiff via the M4.

It, on with the adjacent Severn Bridge, was designed to slash travel times betwixt Wales and the South West by redeeming drivers from looping astir Gloucester lone to miles backmost down the riverbank.

But the way into Wales has fallen soundless contiguous arsenic exigency resurfacing is carried retired connected the westbound carriageway.

All lanes are unopen betwixt J21 and J23 successful that direction, which includes the full magnitude of the bridge.

Traffic is inactive capable to transverse travelling eastbound.

Diversion routes are successful spot for westbound motorists via the M48.

A connection from the Severen Bridges X relationship read: "The M4 is closed westbound betwixt J21 M48 Split and J23 Rogiet Prince of Wales Bridge for an exigency resurfacing operation.

"All postulation is being diverted via the M48 Severn Bridge.

"At this clip we don't person an estimated clip for re-opening. As soon arsenic it's safe, we'll re-open the carriageway.

"We person besides acceptable signs successful beforehand truthful if it's on, you'll spot those.

"Thank you for your patience this evening."

Updates connected the closure tin beryllium recovered connected social media, connected the National Highways website oregon by calling 0300 123 5000

A spokesperson for National Highways added: "The M4 Prince of Wales span is closed westbound betwixt J21 (M48 Split) and J23 (Rogiet) for exigency carriageway repairs.

"National Highways Traffic Officers are connected country providing postulation absorption with work providers en way to transportation retired the repairs.

"If this closure impacts connected your planned route, delight let other travel time.

"Plan ahead, you whitethorn privation to re-route oregon adjacent hold your journey."