Severn Bridge 'safe as its ever been' as it gears up for its 50th anniversary

On September 8, 1966, the Severn Bridge was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, which created a new world of possibility for motorists travelling between Wales and England.

The owners of the suspension bridge, the Severn River Crossing PLC – who maintain both bridges across the Severn - carry out ongoing checks to ensure the safety of it, particularly the cables.

The Severn Bridge has a five-yearly check, which has led to the partial lane closures of the motorway since March.

Chris Pope, the project manager from Highways England, said that since 2006, regular inspections have improved the safety of the Severn Bridge.

“At our first inspection in 2006, we found significant corrosion to the extent that we felt we needed the weight restriction added to the bridge,” he said.

“The key thing is that we found it early and we had time to do the required maintenance. We’ve assessed the bridge and we’ve done a key part of the work. So far, the work we’ve done has proved to be successful.”

Scaffolding has been erected along the bridge, carrying out inspection work to the cable at road level and at its highest points, with special gantries used to allow workers to undertake the task.

“In a 10-year period, the bridge has not deteriorated since then. Compare that to pre-2006 and it is a good sign for us,” said Mr Pope.

Since 1966, only five per cent of the original bridge has had to be replaced due to corrosion, and a team of around 30 people working on the bridge each day, to ensure its tip-top condition.

“There are 8,322 5mm wires that make up the cables, and each individual wire could hold up to a Range Rover, although we say that it can hold a Mini as a rough guide” said Mr Pope.

“We have invested £24 million in the work and inspections to maintain the bridge. We would not be doing this work if we went confident in the results it will achieve.

“I see no reason why the bridge won’t be standing for the next 50 years,” he added.