M50 motorway (England)

The M50 motorway is a relatively short motorway in England, connecting the M5 motorway near Tewkesbury with the A40 road near Ross-on-Wye. It is approximately 22 miles (35 km) long and runs primarily through rural Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

The motorway was opened in 1960 and was one of the first major motorway extensions in the UK. It is notable for its relatively basic design, lacking a hard shoulder for much of its length, particularly on the eastern section closer to Ross-on-Wye. The M50 is a two-lane motorway in each direction for its entire length.

The M50 provides a key link between the West Midlands and South Wales, offering a more direct route than alternative A roads. It serves as an important route for both local and long-distance traffic, connecting the M5 to the A40 which leads into South Wales. While not as heavily trafficked as some other motorways, the M50 is a strategically significant part of the UK road network.