CHEPSTOW AND THE SEVERN BRIDGE
The historic walled border town and ancient port of Chepstow is 2 hours
from London, via the M48 and the spectacular and graceful Old Severn Bridge,
and just over half an hour from Cardif and Bristol and commands the entrance to
the Lower Wye Valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
SEVERN BRIDGE
The Severn Bridge has now carried more than 300,000,000 vehicles since
it was opened in 1966. Between 1980 and 1990 traffic flows increased by 63% and
there were severe congestion problems in the summer and at peak times each day.
Further increases in traffic flows were expected in the years ahead. The
problems encountered on the Severn Bridge were made worse by the occasional
high winds, accidents and breakdowns. It is for these reasons that the Second
Severn Crossing was constructed as without it congestion would become more
serious and frequent on the M4, M5 and the local road network.
The Severn Bridge has now carried more than 300,000,000 vehicles since
it was opened in 1966. Between 1980 and 1990 traffic flows increased by 63% and
there were severe congestion problems in the summer and at peak times each day.
Further increases in traffic flows were expected in the years ahead. The
problems encountered on the Severn Bridge were made worse by the occasional
high winds, accidents and breakdowns. It is for these reasons that the Second
Severn Crossing was constructed as without it congestion would become more
serious and frequent on the M4, M5 and the local road network.