MOTORISTS are being advised to plan their journeys this weekend ahead of the Severn Bridge Half-Marathon and 10k event on Sunday.

Up to 2,300 runners are expected to take part in the fourth running of the half-marathon, which starts on the Chepstow end of the M48 Severn Bridge, on the motorway itself, and finishes, after crossing the bridge and back.

The half-marathon will start at 9am and the 10k event, new for this year, will start at 9.45am.

On the day, the bridge will be fully closed to traffic between 7.30am and 11.30am, with a clearly signed diversion route in place during the duration of the closure. The eastbound footpath and cycle track will also be closed between 9am and 3pm.

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.”

Drivers can get up-to-the-minute travel information by phoning the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website www.trafficengland.com

Further information regarding current and planned roadworks in the South West region plus neighbouring regions can be found on the Highways England website www.highways.gov.uk/roads

More details on the Severn Bridge half-marathon and 10k can be found at www.severnbridgehalfmarathon.com/