The suspension bridge carries the M48 motorway and was not designed to carry modern-day levels or weight of traffic, according to National Highways, the government company responsible for managing and maintaining England鈥檚 motorways and A-roads.

The bridge has undergone several major assessments and interventions related to its main suspension cables due to concerns about corrosion and strength reduction, caused by exposure to harsh weather conditions.

In 2022/23, an assessment of the bridge鈥檚 main cables was carried out by further laboratory testing.

That testing, finalised in December 2024, showed that the main cables are deteriorating and not as strong.

In 2022/23, an assessment of the bridge鈥檚 main cables was carried out, followed by further laboratory testing, revealing that the main cables are deteriorating and not as strong (Image: National Highways)

To reduce the load on cables while inspections continue, heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will need to use the Prince of Wales bridge instead.

National Highways said that the restrictions would need to remain in place for 12 to 18 months, dependent on further investigations and while it develops a medium-term solution to manage the number of vehicles over 7.5t using the bridge.

Since tolls were removed on the bridge in 2018, there has been a 34% increase in traffic. It carried 32,000 vehicles a day in 2023, 3,270 of which were heavy goods vehicles over 7.5t.

Chris Pope, programme delivery manager for National Highways, said, 鈥淲hile the bridge remains safe, it was not designed and built for today鈥檚 levels or weight of traffic. Vehicles have got heavier and traffic levels have increased significantly over the last 60 years putting greater load on the cables.

鈥淎s with all our structures, we will continue to monitor the bridge and ensure it remains safe for users.鈥�