The Welsh Government has said all options are back on the table to ease congestion on the M4 around Newport, as transport minister Mark Hooper announced an 18-month review into the traffic hotspot. The government says all previous options will be considered, with a process to draw up a full list before a shortlist is produced, expected to be completed within 18 months. Welsh Government ministers will make the final decision.
Road-based solutions under consideration
During the election campaign, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth ruled out the so-called "black route" for a full-scale motorway across the Gwent Levels, but said he favoured a road-based solution over the public transport options pursued by the previous Labour-led Welsh Government. Proposals could include widening the existing Brynglas tunnels, building a new road, and introducing tolls, all under the umbrella description of a "roads-based solution."
No cost for the initial 18-month process is available. The review will look at previous works, with an acceptance that time and costs have moved on considerably since previous reviews.
In details released as Mark Hooper spoke in the Senedd, the Welsh Government said the M4 around Newport is one of the most important transport corridors in Wales, relied upon daily by thousands of people and businesses. The review found that congestion continues to cause unreliable journeys and disruption, and that no single intervention can solve the problem on its own. However, alongside a range of other interventions, the government concluded that road infrastructure improvement is needed.
Five-year improvement programme
A "practical programme of improvements" will be taken forward over the next five years to deliver shorter-term benefits, including plans to close M4 junctions 25, 26 and 27 fully or in part. Ministers are understood to be keen on this proposal. The programme also includes investment in renewal and maintenance of the existing strategic road network, a delivery plan to improve how the motorway is operated and managed, targeted improvements to roads and junctions around Newport, and measures to improve freight resilience by making better use of alternative routes such as the A465.
Continued investment in public transport is also planned, including support from Transport for Wales to accelerate delivery of Cardiff Parkway and Magor and Undy stations, improved access to Severn Tunnel Junction railway station, and enhanced bus connectivity between Newport and Cardiff.
Third Menai crossing backed
A new crossing should be built across the Menai Strait, the Welsh Government has said. Between £20-25m will be budgeted over the next five years for development works, with a total current estimated cost of £670m. No decision has been made on how to fund the scheme, but private funding or tolls could be considered. If money and permissions were secured, a new bridge could open in eight to 10 years.
The new bridge would be two lanes in each direction, and one suggestion is that the Britannia Bridge would become a route for walking and cycling. The existing suspension bridge would remain open as it is now. Development work for a third Menai crossing will be resumed, including design work, environmental assessment, business case development, and statutory approvals. A suggested timetable would be two to three years spent developing plans, with statutory permissions taking another two years to achieve, and building a bridge taking another three years.
Business reactions
CBI Wales director Russell Greenslade said: "Tackling the M4 handbrake on Welsh growth is an urgent priority for business after years of discussions about relief roads and little action, as businesses and motorists continue to suffer from traffic bottlenecks on the main route in south Wales. The business community will now be focussed on working with politicians to deliver solutions to the congestion. The new government must put its foot to the floor to ensure the M4 becomes a gateway, not a barrier to investment, jobs and prosperity for local communities."
Joshua Miles, head of FSB Wales, said: "For too long, businesses have been discussing these problems without seeing a clear route to delivery. The M4 and Menai Crossings are critical economic links for Welsh businesses, and it is encouraging to see a renewed focus on getting on with the job. Our recent Big Small Business Survey found that 88% of firms rely on the private car for the success of their business, while 44% say road maintenance and quality impact their business and 41% are affected by the low frequency of public transport services."
Miles added: "Plans for a third Menai crossing are welcome, and Welsh Government should set out its timescales for delivery as soon as possible. Looking again at a roads-based solution to the M4 around Newport is helpful, however proposed junction closures are a concern and could significantly impact on local businesses. They reflect a failure to deal with the issues around Newport over decades. However, roads are only part of the picture. We also need to see the UK Government deliver on its commitment to rail investment between Cardiff and Bristol, following the recommendations of the Burns Review. The key test now is delivery. We will be looking to the next Welsh Government budget for clear evidence that these commitments are being backed with the funding needed to turn long-standing discussions into real progress for Welsh businesses."
