Second Severn Crossing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Second Severn Crossing |
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The bridge as viewed from Severn Beach (England)
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| Coordinates | 51°34′28″N 2°42′06″W / 51.5745°N 2.7016°W |
| Carries | M4 motorway (6 lanes) |
| Crosses | River Severn |
| Locale | South West England/South East Wales |
| Official name | Prince of Wales Bridge |
| Maintained by | Highways England |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Central span: Cable-stayed bridge Approach viaducts: Segmental bridge |
| Total length | 5,128 metres (16,824 ft) |
| Width | 34.6 metres (113.5 ft) |
| Height | 137 metres (449 ft) |
| Longest span | 456 metres (1,496 ft) |
| Clearance below | 37 metres (121 ft) |
| History | |
| Opened | 5 June 1996 |
| Statistics | |
| Toll | Free |
The Prince of Wales Bridge is a really important bridge in the United Kingdom. It is also known as the Second Severn Crossing. This huge bridge goes over the River Severn. It connects South Gloucestershire in England with Monmouthshire in Wales.
This bridge is a key part of the M4 motorway. It helps thousands of cars and trucks travel between England and South Wales every day. It was opened on June 5, 1996. The bridge was built to handle more traffic than the older Severn Bridge, which opened in 1966. Both bridges are still used today. The newer Prince of Wales Bridge offers a more direct route. It is also less likely to close when there are strong winds.
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Why Was a Second Bridge Needed?
The first Severn Bridge opened in 1966. It was a big step forward for travel between England and Wales. However, as more people got cars, traffic grew very quickly. The original bridge started to get very busy. It often had long lines of cars.
Easing Traffic Flow
To solve the traffic problem, leaders decided to build a second bridge. This new bridge would help spread out the traffic. It would make journeys faster and smoother for everyone. The Second Severn Crossing was designed to be bigger and stronger. It could handle even more vehicles.
How the Bridge Was Built
Building a bridge over a wide river like the Severn is a huge job. Engineers and construction workers spent years planning and building this amazing structure.
Bridge Design and Features
The Prince of Wales Bridge is a mix of different designs.
- The main part over the river is a cable-stayed bridge. This means strong cables hold up the bridge deck. These cables are attached to tall towers.
- The parts of the bridge leading up to the main span are called approach viaducts. These are made from many smaller sections.
The bridge is very long, stretching over 5 kilometers (about 3 miles). Its tallest towers reach 137 meters (449 feet) into the sky. This makes it a truly impressive sight.
Crossing the River Severn
The River Severn is the longest river in Great Britain. It has a very wide estuary, which is where the river meets the sea. This area is known for its strong tides. Building a bridge here was a big challenge.
Importance for Travel
The Prince of Wales Bridge is one of the main ways to get into South Wales. It helps people travel for work, holidays, and visiting family. It also helps businesses move goods across the country. This bridge is a vital link for the economy of both England and Wales.
Images for kids
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The Shoots Bridge; the shipping channel lies between the two towers
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Aerial view of the crossing
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A dunlin feeding, one of the many waders that winter on the Severn estuary
