UK Bridge Closures and Restrictions in 2025
The second half of 2025 will be difficult for fleet operators with many infrastructure projects across the UK's vital road network.
Both planned and unplanned bridge restrictions and closures are potential operational bottlenecks for delivery companies. Logistics providers that rely on efficient multi-drop planning and timed deliveries must consider these restrictions or face disruptions to their services.
This challenge highlights a clear need for intelligent technology-led routing that incorporates the latest road closure updates.
Critical Bridge Disruptions in Late 2025
The following UK road infrastructure events require attention for anyone managing fleet operations:
M48 Severn Bridge
- A 7.5-tonne Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) weight limit has been in force from 27 May 2025, expected to last for up to 18 months.
- All heavier traffic must reroute via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, which is itself undergoing:
- Resurfacing and waterproofing (Summer–Autumn 2025).
- Contraflow systems and overnight lane closures, creating periodic congestion.
M4 Prince of Wales Bridge
- Resurfacing and repairs: Summer 2024 to Autumn 2025, with potential for closures.
M6 – Lune Gorge, Cumbria
- Eight bridges to be upgraded between junctions 36 and 38.
- Preparation work starts August 2025 for main work in Spring 2027.
- Lane closures as new studs and line markings are refreshed.
- A reduced speed limit of 50mph – requiring new signage.
- Installation of a new safety system and temporary barriers.
A435 Evesham Road, Gloucestershire
- Fully closed in both directions until 8 September 2025 for bridge realignment and safety works.
- Northbound-only closure to follow, through 31 October 2025.
- Works involve bridge strengthening and shared-use path construction, directly impacting traffic between Cheltenham and Bishop’s Cleeve.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Complete closure to all traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists.
- Having already been closed in July 2025, it will undergo another weekend closure from 5 to 8 September 2025, as part of long-term maintenance initiatives.
Cumbria “Half-Joint” Bridges
- Four concrete bridges, built in the 1960’s, have active weight restrictions due to structural concerns.
- Issues are expected to extend well into 2026, with limited route alternatives.
A282 Dartford Crossing (QEII Bridge)
- Ongoing overnight closures and contraflow arrangements.
- The QEII bridge is undergoing overnight maintenance and painting to preserve its metal components. This will be between April and October 2025, leading to some overnight lane closures, although one lane usually remains open.
Hammersmith Bridge
- Currently closed for repairs and may remain closed for an extended period, possibly until 2035.
Why Route Optimisation Must Be a Strategic Priority
Today the UK road network is under pressure and customer expectations are unforgiving, fleet resilience requires more than just spreadsheets and static plans.
Descartes’ route optimisation platform means logistics teams can be agile enough to maintain service performance even amid infrastructure disruption:
- Plans can be adapted in response to closures, contraflows, or diversions.
- Reroute vehicles automatically around weight-restricted zones or bridge outages.
- Factor in closure windows, load constraints, and live traffic data.
- Safeguard compliance for service level agreement (SLA) and keep customers informed of progress or any changes with automated ETA updates.
- Optimise delivery density to minimise detours, wasted miles, and your carbon footprint.
The Bottom Line
With UK road infrastructure constrained on key routes and delivery precision under scrutiny, planning flexibility, especially for Heavy Goods Vehicles, has become a competitive necessity.
Let’s make disruption work for you.
Explore how Descartes’ intelligent routing platform can help shield your operations from bridge and road-related issues. Contact us today for a personalised consultation.
