M49 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | ||||
| Length | 5.0 mi (8.0 km) | |||
| Existed | 1996–present | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| North end | Redwick | |||
 M4 motorway  M5 motorway |
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| South end | Lawrence Weston | |||
| Road network | ||||
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→The M49 is a short but important motorway in England, located near the city of Bristol. It acts like a quick shortcut, connecting two very busy motorways: the M5 and the M4. This road is mostly used by drivers heading north on the M5 who want to cross into Wales using the Second Severn Crossing bridge. It's special because you can only get onto the M49 from other motorways, not from local roads.
Contents
What is a Motorway?
A motorway is a special type of road designed for fast, safe travel over long distances. In the United Kingdom, motorways are marked with a blue sign and usually have at least two lanes in each direction. They have no traffic lights or roundabouts. This helps traffic flow smoothly without stopping. Motorways are built to connect major cities and regions.
Where is the M49 Located?
The M49 motorway is found in the South West of England. It runs through parts of South Gloucestershire and Bristol. It's a key link for traffic moving between the M4 and M5 motorways. This makes it important for journeys between the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.
Connecting Major Roads
The M49 is only about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long. Despite its short length, it plays a big role in connecting major routes.
- At its northern end, the M49 connects to the M4 motorway. This link is very useful for drivers heading to South Wales, including cities like Cardiff and Newport.
- At its southern end, the M49 joins the M5 motorway. This connection helps traffic going to places like Avonmouth and other parts of Bristol. It also helps drivers travelling further south into the South West.
Future Plans for the M49
There is one junction on the M49 that has been built but is not yet open to the public. This is often called "Junction 1". It was designed to connect the motorway to nearby local roads. However, the links to these roads have not been completed. When it eventually opens, this junction could help local traffic and businesses. It would give them easier access to the main motorway network.
Images for kids
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Looking north at Dyer's Common towards the Second Severn Crossing
