The Welsh Government has launched a consultation document today on its plan to improve the M4 corridor around Newport.
Edwina Hart, the Principality’s Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, said: ‘Traffic congestion and unreliable journey times, particularly during rush hour are common occurrences on the M4 around Newport. The Welsh Government is committed to addressing capacity and resilience problems on this important artery, which is widely recognised as essential to the Welsh economy.
‘Building upon the work done in the M4 Corridor Enhancement Measures Consultation, we are now consulting on a draft plan and associated assessments.’
If the plan goes ahead its main feature will be to provide a six-lane motorway between Junction 23 at Magor, and Junction 29 which serves Castleton on the southern side of the city.
The existing M4 between Magor and Castleton, which the favoured route would replace, would be downgraded to an A road. A single carriageway road between the M48 and B4245 would also be built.
Two alternative routes are included in the consultation and there is also an analysis of the effects of not carrying out any improvements. The cost of the favoured plan is reckoned at about £1,000m.
The proposals form part of the Welsh Government’s focus on providing better east to west communications to stimulate growth by better links between Wales, the rest of the country and Europe.
The consultation will end on 16th December 2013.
