2001
ST5186 : Shoots Bridge over Severn - Gloucestershire
taken 23 years ago, near to Sudbrook, Monmouthshire/Sir Fynwy, Wales
Shoots Bridge over Severn - Gloucestershire
View south-eastwards taken from the mv (motor vessel) Balmoral about to pass under Shoots Bridge on a one-day cruise from Lydney and Sharpness to end at Penarth and with an onward journey for a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway. The Second Severn Crossing, carrying the M4 motorway, was opened on 5th June 1996 by HRH (His Royal Highness) The Prince of Wales and has three lanes and a hard shoulder in each direction. Construction started on 26th April 1992, the architect being Ronald Weeks of the Percy Thomas Partnership. The overall length of 5128 metres cost £380 million to build - the central portion, known as Shoots Bridge, is 948 metres in length. It was intended that the bridge should pass into public ownership after 30 years but through various factors this has been extended. The first Severn Bridge was opened on 8th September 1966 by HM (Her Majesty) The Queen and was Grade I listed on 26th November 1999. Before this the alternatives were either the Aust Ferry, which had been operating since mediaeval times, or a very long detour via Gloucester. A tribute to the courage and ingenuity of those who design and build such structures. Time photo taken not available.
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