Severn (UK)

Severn sĕv´ern , Lat. Sabrina, one of the principal rivers of Great Britain, c.200 mi (320 km) long, rising on Plinlimmon Mt., W Wales, and flowing NE and E to Shrewsbury, W England, and from there SE, S, and SW—through an estuary—to the Bristol Channel. Worcester , Gloucester , and many smaller towns are on its banks. The tributaries include the Teme, Avon, and Stour. It is connected by canal with the Thames , Mersey, Trent, and other rivers. A railroad tunnel (opened 1886) more than 4 mi (6.4 km) long passes under the estuary. The Severn Road Bridge (opened 1966) is one of the world's longest (3,240 ft/988 m) suspension bridges. The river is an important transportation route. Because of the conformation of the estuary, a tidal bore occurs up to Gloucester.

Severn Longest river in the UK, flowing 290km (180mi) through Wales and w England. It rises on Mount Plynlimon in w Wales, flows ne to Shrewsbury, turns se and then sw to enter the Bristol Channel through a wide estuary. Major tributaries include the rivers Vyrnwy, Teme, and Stour. The Severn connects by canal to the rivers Thames, Mersey, and Trent. The Severn Road Bridge (1966) is one of the world's longest suspension bridges. A second road bridge opened in 1996.