Highways England team joins thousands for Severn Bridge anniversary half-marathon
A team of Highways England runners will be taking part in this weekend’s Severn Bridge Half-Marathon.
Highways England is responsible for maintenance and traffic management of the M48 Severn Bridge and to mark the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the original Severn Crossing, a group of staff will step out in Sunday’s event.
Joining together from Highways England’s South West offices at Temple Quay House in Bristol, The Cube in Birmingham, and Ash House in Exeter, the 14 runners will not only be celebrating the anniversary of the bridge – on 8 September – but also raising money for Winston’s Wish, St David’s Hospice Care and other charities.
Andy Brellisford, a member of the team and an executive with the IT Directorate in Bristol, said:
As Highways England has been involved for so many years with the historic M48 Severn Bridge we thought this would be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the connection and proudly represent the company.
From first-timers to experienced runners, we are all looking forward to completing this unique course, despite the anticipation of tired legs, and raising funds for a number of charities.
A total of 2,500 runners are expected to cross the M48 Severn Bridge during Sunday's half-marathon
Up to 2,500 runners are expected to take part in the third running of the half-marathon, which starts at the Newhouse Industrial Estate, Chepstow, on the western end of the bridge, and follows a loop around Old Passage on the eastern end before returning across the bridge towards Mathern and back to the finish.
On the day, the bridge will be closed between 7am and 11.30am, with a clearly signed diversion route in place during the duration of the closure.
Gareth Price, South West Emergency Planning Officer for Highways England, said:
We’d like to remind road users to plan ahead – more than 2,000 people are expected to take part, and as well as the bridge closure, local roads are also expected to be busy before and after the race.
Our advice is to check our traffic and travel information channels, set off early and allow plenty of time.
Highways England provides live traffic information via its website.
Travel information is also available by phone from the Highways England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 and updates will be provided via Twitter.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.