Storm Bert has caused significant disruption to travel, with strong winds and heavy rain leading to the closure of the M48 in both directions for most of Saturday. This has resulted in an eight-mile traffic build-up on the M4 westbound between junctions 19 and 22, causing over 40 minutes of delays for motorists.
National Highways said: “Road users are advised to use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge as an alternate route. Our South West Regional Operations Centre is monitoring the wind speeds and will reopen the bridge as soon as the wind speeds reduce to a safe level.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge has remained open, which National Highways said was because the newer bridge has barriers which reduce the effect of strong gusts. The older design of the M48 does not include these barriers and as such, the road needed to be closed for safety.