Second Severn Crossing, Cable-stayed bridge in South West England, United Kingdom.
The Second Severn Crossing is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Severn Estuary between southern England and Wales, extending 5,128 meters (16,822 feet). The main concrete and steel towers rise 137 meters (450 feet) above the water, carrying a 34.6-meter-wide roadway.
The crossing opened in 1996 to handle growing traffic on the route between both countries. It was built as a second route alongside the older first Severn crossing, which had been constructed decades earlier.
The bridge carries a new name since 2018, referencing a historic title in the British monarchy. Travelers crossing between both countries pass over the wide estuary that formed a natural boundary for centuries.
The six traffic lanes run at a height that can be exposed to strong winds, especially in stormy weather. There are no footpaths or cycle paths on the roadway, as access is exclusively for motor vehicles.
The towers stand on islands in the estuary that were created artificially during construction. The design uses segmental construction, with sections prefabricated on land and then floated to the assembly site on pontoons.
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