M48
M48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Location Map ( geo) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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From: | Tockington (ST598861) | |||||||||||||||||||||
To: | Llanfihangel Rogiet (ST444879) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance: | 13 miles (20.9 km) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Meets: | M4, A403, A466 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Former Number(s): | M4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Primary Destinations | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Highway Authorities | ||||||||||||||||||||||
South Wales TRA | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Traditional Counties | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Route outline (key) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Junction List | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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The M48 is a motorway which crosses the Severn and Wye Bridges between England and Wales, near Chepstow. It opened as a part of the M4, but was renumbered upon opening of the Second Severn Crossing in 1996.
The M48 is arguably numbered out of zone; as it lies north of the M4 and west of the M5, its number should in theory start with a "5". However, there are counter-examples where a single digit road has moved, but the zone boundary has remained in the same location, for example, the A3 at Guildford.
Junctions
Chepstow Interchange
The Chepstow Interchange is a roundabout junction between the M48 and A466, and is the most easterly motorway junction in Wales.
Services
Severn View services
Severn View is a small quiet MSA just to the east of the Severn Bridge. It is accessed via junction 1, and despite its name there is no view of the Severn from the services, since moving from the original building. It was originally known as Aust Services.
Bridges
Severn Bridge
The Severn Bridge opened in 1966, and replaced the Aust Ferry crossing between Aust and Beachley, and in common with the remainder of the M48 was originally part of the M4. As well as the motorway, there is a footway and cycleway along the bridge.
Wye Bridge
The Wye Bridge opened along with its neighbour in 1966, and is a cable-stayed girder bridge which carries the M48 motorway over the River Wye between Chepstow and Beachley as part of the Severn Crossing. The River Wye forms the modern boundary between England and Wales, and therefore it is this bridge rather than the Severn Bridge that marks the border.
Opening Dates
Links
Roads.org.uk
Roads UK
Pathetic Motorways