Wales' transport minister has confirmed that the Welsh Government is open to widening the Brynglas tunnels using a method that keeps them fully operational, as part of efforts to tackle persistent congestion on the M4.
New tunnel expansion method under consideration
Deputy transport minister Mark Hooper told the Senedd that officials are currently examining the Nazzano method, a technique used in Italy that allows tunnels to be widened by constructing a larger structure around the original bore without closing it. The method was raised by Conservative Natasha Asghar, Senedd member for Casnewydd Islwyn.
Mr Hooper said: "The point you mentioned about the tunnelling methods I think is of interest, and it is something where we've had some references in Government already. I've got officials looking at that currently. It looks like it's something that's on the outer edge of what you can do, and I think some of these things haven't been proven as a point yet, but they're things that we'd be keen to look at."
Previous plans scrapped after £150m spent
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has described the Brynglas tunnel as an "economic constraint for Wales". During the election campaign, he criticised previous Labour administrations for spending £150 million on plans for the scheme only to scrap them. He reiterated the need for a solution after his election.
Before May's election, Plaid Cymru said it wanted to address congestion on the M4, a commitment that has been repeated in recent weeks.
Motorway junction closures not ruled out
Asked by Ms Asghar to rule out closing motorway junctions, Mr Hooper responded: "I think when you start to change things like closing motorway junctions, it's a likely thing that will happen if there's change, whether they are permanent closures or they're temporary closures. What we've got to recognise is what's important is that we consult and we recognise."
Autumn plan expected
Mr Hooper said the Welsh Government will present a plan in the autumn that he hopes will gain "broad support". He added: "I understand people's concerns in Newport, and Newport is probably the area that you'll see me spending most time in over the next few months, because I think it's important that I get to understand the issues from the community's perspectives, from the leaders in those areas' perspectives, and also to make sure that we do something that reflects those concerns as well. So, we're going to be coming back in the autumn with what I think will be quite a balanced suite of measures, and, hopefully, those will be things that will get some broad support, which is what I'm looking for."
Mr Hooper confirmed that the M4 black route has been ruled out by the Plaid Cymru administration.
