Since the completion of the Seven Bridge, during periods of high winds there has been occasions where traffic has been diverted via Monmouth / Gloucester. However, the construction of the Second Severn Crossing has allowed these vehicle to be diverted back to the M4 Junction 23 and then across the Second Severn Crossing. In the past all vehicles have been diverted and by manually erecting signage thus closing off the access at M48 Junction 2 Newhouse Interchange.

To allow for the filtering of traffic, reducing the time taken to implement a closure and for the safety of the workforce erecting the advance signage, a scheme to automate this process has been undertaken.  The works includes the installation of new remotely operated rotational signs to filter and control the traffic using the Severn Bridge during high winds.

The South Wales Trunk Road Agency’s Framework Contractor, Alun Griffiths undertook the construction of the scheme and works commenced in January 2007. The works were completed in April 2007.

The aim of the project is to provide remote controlled advance warning signs for the filtering and control of vehicles during high wind closure of the Seven Bridge by diverting the traffic via M4 at Junction 23 Magor, and then on to the Second Seven Crossing.