FOI release

M48 Bridge restrictions

Case reference EIR2025/00709

Received 12 April 2025

Published 30 May 2025

Request

A 7.5t weight restriction was recently imposed to protect the bridge, and your website makes the following reference: “ We performed our latest assessment and laboratory testing in 2022-23 and finalised our findings 2024.” It also says that the restrictions are implemented to avoid a full closure of the bridge. Please can you share: 1. the outputs of this testing, in the form of Laboratory or inspection reports from 2022-2023, including recommendations arising from those inspections, and the finalised 2024 findings report. 2. The forecast lifespan of the bridge if restrictions were not imposed. 3. The specific report or decision that led to the restriction and the rationale behind it. 4. The forecast lifespan of the bridge with the restrictions imposed. 5. Any assessment on the impact of a full permanent closure of the bridge. 6. Your plans to dispose of the old bridge and replace it should a full closure become necessary. Thank you

Response

All documents referenced below are available here: EIR 2025 00709.

1. the outputs of this testing, in the form of Laboratory or inspection reports from 2022-2023, including recommendations arising from those inspections, and the finalised 2024 findings report.

Please see CI-4 Factual Report rev 3 (1)_Redacted and the Severn Bridge 4th Main Cable Investigation - Main Cable Strength Evaluation Rev 2_Redacted.

2. The forecast lifespan of the bridge if restrictions were not imposed.

We do not have a forecast lifespan for our bridges.

3. The specific report or decision that led to the restriction and the rationale behind it.

Please see the Main Cable Load Mitigation Options Report Rev 0.5 (redacted).pdf, SBIM-SVB-TO1062-002-CS470 A8 Immediate Risk Structure v0.3a (1) (redacted).pdf, and NH CEO Briefing 11.03.25.pdf

4. The forecast lifespan of the bridge with the restrictions imposed.

We do not forecast lifespans for our bridges.

5. Any assessment on the impact of a full permanent closure of the bridge.

We have not carried out an assessment of the impact of a full permanent closure as this is not part of our plans.

6. Your plans to dispose of the old bridge and replace it should a full closure become necessary

We do not have any plans to dispose of the Severn Bridge.

 

Information withheld

Personal information has been withheld under Regulation 13 of the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Documents

There are no documents for this release.

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