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Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
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How We Manage Our Roads
In this section you can find out more about how we manage and maintain these roads and plan for the future
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
History
History
Prior to 1926, road vehicles travelling between the southern counties of Wales and southern counties of England had to travel via Gloucester.
Spurred on by complaints from hauliers, architect Enoch Williams launched a ferry service in the summer of 1926. He maintained and developed the service through many troubled times and changes of boats until, in the 1950's, he purchased the two vessels that were to become a significant landmark in the history of the Severn Crossing.
The Severn King and Severn Queen plied their trade well into the 1960's, when they were joined by the Severn Princess. But, when the Severn Bridge was opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 8 September 1966, it was the demise of the Williams' family's ferry service and the business was shut down.
The Severn King and Queen were broken up, but after ending up in Ireland, the Princess has been rescued and now awaits restoration.
The original crossing was designed to carry between 5-10 million vehicles a year. As transport links between England and Wales improved, and traffic levels increased, the Government decided to build a new second crossing. The announcement was made in the House of Commons on 24 July 1986 by the then Secretary of State for Wales, the Right Hon Nicholas Edwards MP.
The Second Severn Crossing took four years to build and was opened on 5 June 1996 by HRH Prince Charles. Both Crossings today carry some 25 million vehicles per year.
