Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council attended a technical workshop with National Highways and partner authorities to receive an update on the forthcoming “medium‑term solution” for reinstating controlled HGV access to the Severn Bridge.

National Highways confirmed that structural assessments in 2022–2023 identified deterioration in the suspension cables, leading to the current 7.5‑tonne restriction introduced in May 2025.

To meet the ministerial commitment to reopen the bridge to heavy vehicles by January 2027, a new managed‑flow system will be installed. This will limit the number of HGVs on the suspension bridge to no more than ten in each direction at any one time.

How the system will work

• All HGVs will be diverted via the slip roads at Aust and Newhouse (Chepstow), passing through weigh‑in‑motion sensors and ANPR cameras.
• Traffic signals at the top of each slip road will hold HGVs briefly only when required to maintain safe loading levels. The traffic modelling showed that 99% of the time the traffic lights will be green and only on odd occasions will they turn red just to hold back a few traffic for 30 seconds or so” .
• Enforcement cameras will ensure compliance with the diversion and red‑light signals.

Next steps

Works are scheduled to begin very shortly in September, starting with ducting and technology installation, followed by new signage and resurfacing. National Highways will also undertake further engagement with industry and local authorities.

Parish Council concerns that driver behaviour, particularly of HGVs will make the Aust junction more dangerous were noted. Repainting of the yellow boxes was also requested but this would be carried out by South Gloucestershire Council and outside the scope of the bridge works.

The Parish Council will continue to monitor the programme and will share updates.