There will be diversions in place for eight weeks on the Severn Bridge as work following the removal of tolls continues.

Drivers will be diverted off the M48 at junction 1 exit slip road and return to the route via the junction 1 entry slip road. This diversion is already used during high winds.

There will also be a full westbound closures tonight (8pm -6am) and from 7am-7pm on Sunday.

The closures are part of the next phase of work to create a free-flowing motorway with a 70mph speed limit.

The team on site will be realigning the carriageway and slip road and upgrading the kerbs, drainage and safety fencing to ensure a safe driving route. Carriageway resurfacing, installing technology and other work will also be taking place.

Hannah Milliner, Highways England Severn Bridges general manager, said: “This is a significant step forward in creating our free-flowing motorway with a 70mph speed limit and we are working hard to keep the bridge open to drivers while we carry out this crucial work.

“We are encouraging drivers to consider using the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge to aid their journey during this period.

"The minor diversion required at the M48 junction 1 can cause some delays on weekday evenings and so we would ask people to plan ahead. We understand that this will have an impact on drivers and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.”

"There are some key events taking place during this period including the Spice Girls appearing in Cardiff on May 27, followed by Take That on June 8, with an expected increase in traffic volumes travelling west towards Cardiff.

We will be monitoring traffic flows from our Regional Operations Centre and customers may be encouraged to use the M4 Prince of Wales bridge at peak times. Drivers are also asked to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys."