1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff is bringing you this information, based on Highways Agency figures.
With the extreme weather conditions experienced in the south Wales are in recent weeks it is worth reminding you of the M48, Severn Bridge, ‘High Winds Protocol’, or Traffic Filtering arrangements.
The What?…. Between 1992 and 1996, 13 vehicles blew over on the Severn Bridge, in high winds. If trucks can blow over imagine the effect that the wind can have on a motorcycle.
Those overturned vehicles resulted in a total of 47 hours of bridge closures ! Chaos indeed.
Since the High Winds Protocol was introduced in 2007 the Highways Agency and the Bridge operators have been able to filter out certain ‘at risk’ vehicles which means that the bridge can remain open longer for smaller cars and vans.
So how does Traffic Filtering work? Once the gust speeds reach 40 knots, the bridge remains open to vehicles under 6’9″ (2.1m). Vehicles over this height, and motorcycles, are not permitted to use the Severn Bridge, and must use an alternative route.
If gust speeds reach 60 knots the bridge will be closed to all traffic. The traffic filtering arrangement operates between the hours of 06.00 and 22.00. Outside of these hours the bridge is closed to all vehicles if the wind is above 40 knots.
During the restrictions diversion and advance warning signs are displayed and traffic is diverted onto one of these alternative routes.
Westbound to Chepstow. Use the M4 Second Severn Crossing, Exit Jnc 23a (Magor) and then return along the M4 Eastbound to the M48 .
Eastbound from Chepstow. M48 Westbound to M4 jnc 23a (Magor) and return along the M4 and use the Second Severn Crossing.
In preparation for the implementation of the restrictions you might find that all traffic is directed to leave the motorway and may be permitted to travel around the roundabout and back on to the M48. These restrictions are so that the closure can be implemented without delay if the wind speed increases.
“So what if I just nip through the closure”? Drivers and Riders who ignore the diversion and closure signs are committing an offence and risk prosecution. The restrictions are monitored by CCTV. So don’t!
As the M48 Severn Bridge forms an important part of the transport links into South Wales the Highways Agency recognise the importance of doing all it can to keep the crossing open and provide a safe route to traffic.
The Second Severn Crossing was designed with draught excluders built in, so is not affected by the gusts in the same way as the original bridge.
Further information is available at www.highways.gov.co.uk and for the current Bridge Status visit www.severnbridge.co.uk
Keep it upright out there! If it gets too windy…find a cafe!
“The Second Severn Crossing was designed with draught excluders built in, so is not affected by the gusts in the same way as the original bridge.”
Yeah, right … I still do that route on a very regular basis and its not unusual to come across the bridge at nearly 30deg and “sailing into the wind”, just watch out for the two major uprights, wind drops so sharply there that you get launched a lane sideways when in their lea.
😉
Craig
Ps. Only place I’ve ridden that was serious about wind buffering is the German autobahns … some of the stretches outside Munich (still unrestricted!) are well enough protected that you can’t tell there is a wind when travelling by car/bike until you get out and get blown over at a stop!