Cable inspection work on the M48 Severn Bridge is continuing ahead of schedule.

Westbound lane closures on the bridge, which were to be removed in early September, are now scheduled to be lifted by early August.

The structure will be fully closed this weekend to allow contractors to move an inspection gantry from the 'downstream' side to the 'upstream' side. The closures will take place from 6am on Saturday, 23 July until 10pm on Sunday, 24 July.

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Highways England Project Manager, Chris Pope, said the inspections are vital to understand the current corrosion levels of the suspension cables. So far, the project has shown measures implemented over the last decade have been effective in ensuring the bridges long-term viability.

"We have been working with Severn River Crossing Plc, and all weekend closures have been planned to avoid any major events on both sides of the bridge," he said.

A final weekend closure is to take place later in the year for the removal of the upstream inspection gantry.

(LM/CD)