 The area became more accessible by road to much of the country with the building of the M50 between the M5 and Ross-on-Wye, and the opening of the Severn Bridge (now part of the M48) in 1966.The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was first designated in 1971.The designation indicates the importance of recognising and preserving the area's distinctive qualities, for the benefit of present and future generations.