Severn Bridge

The Severn Bridge is a suspension bridge in South Gloucestershire that links England and Wales by crossing the estuary where the River Severn meets the Bristol Channel. Its steel towers support the roadway and cable system, while the deck surface shifts slightly with the wind and provides a long sightline over the water below.

The bridge was built in the early 1960s to ease traffic flow between England and Wales and replace the old ferry service that had operated for centuries. Its opening in 1966 reduced travel time between the two countries and encouraged economic exchange in the region around Bristol.

The bridge displays bilingual signage in English and Welsh, reflecting its role in connecting England and Wales across the River Severn estuary.

The roadway runs high above the water with little shelter from side winds, so caution is needed during stormy weather. Cyclists and walkers use separate paths on either side of the carriageway to keep the crossing safe and away from moving vehicles.

The bridge uses an aerodynamic deck design that reduces wind turbulence and causes less swaying than older suspension bridges. This engineering approach was later adopted worldwide for many modern crossings and changed how engineers build over wide stretches of water.

Location: South Gloucestershire

Location: Forest of Dean

Inception: September 8, 1966

Official opening: September 8, 1966

Height: 136 m

Length: 1,600 m

Longest Span: 988 m

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 51.60990,-2.64026

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:44