The Welsh Government has said all options are back on the table to ease congestion on the M4 around Newport. Transport Minister Mark Hooper announced an 18-month review to look at options for the traffic hotspot.
The Welsh Government says all previous options will be considered, and a process to draw up a list of all options before a shortlist is produced will now begin. They hope to complete that within 18 months. It will be up to Welsh Government ministers to make a final decision.
Road-based solution favoured
During the election campaign, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth ruled out the so-called "black route" for what was effectively a full-scale motorway across the Gwent Levels. However, he said he was in favour of a road-based solution to congestion on the major traffic artery, instead of the public transport options the former Labour-led Welsh Government was pursuing.
No cost for the initial 18-month process is available. The review will look at previous works, but there is an acceptance that time and costs have moved on considerably since previous reviews were carried out.
Proposals and improvements
Proposals could include widening the existing Brynglas tunnels, a new road, and tolls are all on the agenda under the umbrella description of a "roads-based solution".
There will also be what is called "a practical programme of improvements" over the next five years, which includes plans to close M4 junctions 25, 26 and 27 fully or in part. Ministers, we understand, are keen on this proposal.
In details released as Transport Minister Mark Hooper spoke in the Senedd, the Welsh Government said the following:
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, we have concluded that road infrastructure improvement is needed.
Given the complex range of options possible, the Welsh Government has announced an 18-month study into a range of road-based solutions for the M4 around Newport, after which time a preferred option for a roads-based solution will be selected.
In addition, a practical programme of improvements will be taken forward over the next five years to deliver shorter-term benefits. They include:
- Investment in renewal and maintenance of the existing strategic road network motorway and infrastructure.
- 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, 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 enhance bus connectivity between Newport and Cardiff.
