Suspension bridge over the River Severn at sunset. The Severn Bridge spans 990 metres from Aust, England, to the Beachley Peninsula (far side), beyond which lies Wales. It was completed in 1966 to carry the old M4 motorway, and was the final bridge before the Severn reaches the Bristol Channel. The Second Severn Crossing, opened further downstream in 1996, now carries the M4. The old M4 has been renamed the M48. The Severn Bridge was the first bridge to use an aerodynamic deck design and zig-zag suspension hangers. The load-bearing cables are seen curving down from the two tall towers.