© Eirlys HowardSevern Bridge II 1996
Severn Bridge II 1996
The Bridge
Thirty years after the opening of the Severn Bridge a new bridge was constructed to the south-west to ease traffic congestion. The Second Severn Bridge now carries the London to Cardiff M4 motorway over the River Severn. It is 5km long with a 456m main-span cable-stayed bridge (known as the Shoots Bridge) and long approach viaducts.
Building a bridge with 51 piers in the wide river estuary with one of the world’s largest tidal flows (up to 14m) and strong currents, demanded the use of huge concrete foundations. These were precast at yards either isde of the span and transported to site on barges. In total 41 viaduct spans of 98m each, and 8 other connecting spans lead up to the cable-stayed bridge over the navigational channel.
It was opened by HRH Prince Charles on 5th June 1996.
Second Severn Crossing
Also known as the Prince of Wales Bridge
Key Facts
5km long bridge crossing
Structure uses 420,000 cubic metres of concrete
Location
Monmouthshire (Wales) to Gloucestershire (England)
Across the River Severn
Designers
Halcrow
SEEE
Maunsell & Partners
WS Atkins
Description
Cable-stayed suspension bridge
456m main span
5,128m total length
Main contractors
GTM Construction
John Laing Construction
Construction
Began 26 April 1992
Opened 5 June 1996
Other long-span bridges
