The Welsh Government is to restart development work on a third Menai crossing and launch an 18-month study into road-based solutions for the M4 around Newport.
The moves form part of a wider programme of transport measures announced by Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper, following reviews of the Menai crossings and the M4 around Newport.
For the Menai Strait, the review identified resilience as the key challenge for communities, businesses and travellers on Ynys Môn and across north Wales when the existing crossings are restricted or closed.
Development work on a third crossing will now restart, covering design, environmental assessment, business case development and statutory approvals.
The Welsh Government will also continue investment in the management, maintenance and operation of the existing crossings, while practical resilience measures will be introduced on Britannia Bridge.
These measures include wind deflectors, variable speed limits and other operational improvements intended to reduce disruption and keep traffic moving.
The review also considered three-lane tidal-flow operation on Britannia Bridge, but this will not be taken forward after evidence highlighted significant safety and operational concerns.
The Welsh Government has also concluded that improvements to road infrastructure are needed to address congestion and unreliable journeys on the M4 around Newport.
An 18-month study will examine a range of road-based solutions, with a preferred option to be selected once the work is complete.
The study will sit alongside a programme of measures intended to deliver shorter-term benefits over the next five years.
These include investment in the renewal and maintenance of the existing strategic road network and motorway infrastructure, as well as a delivery plan covering motorway operation and management.
Targeted improvements to roads and junctions around Newport will also be considered, alongside measures to improve freight resilience through greater use of alternative routes, including the A465.
Public transport improvements will form another part of the programme, with Transport for Wales supporting the acceleration of Cardiff Parkway and Magor and Undy stations, improved access to Severn Tunnel Junction railway station, and enhanced bus connectivity between Newport and Cardiff.
Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper said:
“People want action, not endless discussion. They want reliable journeys, less disruption and confidence that Government is getting on with improving things and making a difference to people’s lives. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“We will carry out an 18-month study to consider a range of road-based solutions for the M4 around Newport. Alongside that work, we are taking action to reduce peak-hour traffic by up to around one in ten vehicles. Every vehicle taken off the road helps on a motorway that is already operating at or beyond capacity at the busiest times.
“People on Ynys Môn and across the north of Wales have waited a long time for greater certainty about the future of the crossings. Today we are setting out a clear way forward, with action to improve the resilience of the existing crossings while immediately beginning work to develop a third crossing.
“Together these measures should make a noticeable difference to people as they go about their daily lives delivering better travel choices, improved resilience and quicker and more reliable journeys.”
(Picture: Bouncy390)
