The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on a draft plan to improve the M4 corridor around Newport.
The draft plan, if implemented, will include a new motorway being built to the south of Newport.
The main element of the draft plan, if implemented, is the provision of a section of three-lane motorway between junction 23 Magor and junction 29 Castleton on the south side of Newport (black route). This would also include complementary measures to:
· Re-classify the existing M4 between Magor and Castleton as a non-motorway
· Create a new single carriageway link between the M48 and B4245
· Provide cycle and walking friendly infrastructure.
Minister for economy, science and transport, Edwina Hart 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 key artery widely recognised as essential to support 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.”
The draft plan and associated assessments also consider two “reasonable alternatives” and a “do minimum” which considers consequences of doing nothing above what is already planned.
The consultation document, associated assessments and response form are available to download, to view or to be printed from the Welsh Government consultation website www.wales.gov.uk/consultations or from the www.M4newport.com website. The consultation will close on 16 December 2013.
