ROAD USERS are being reminded that the M48 Severn Crossing will be closed tomorrow for the Severn Bridge Half Marathon.

Around 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.

A team of runners from Highways England, which is responsible for maintenance and traffic management of the bridge, will also be taking part in the race to mark the crossing’s forthcoming 50th anniversary.

The team of 14, composed from the organisation’s offices in Bristol, Birmingham and Exeter, will not only be celebrating the anniversary of the bridge on September 8, but will also be raising money for a number of charities including Winston’s Wish and St David’s Hospice Care.

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.”

Around 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.