The RHA and Logistics UK gave a mixed response this week to the Welsh Government’s recently announced plans to tackle congestion on the M4 around Newport.
The plans include 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.
The Welsh Government is also planning a programme of improvements over the next five years to deliver shorter-term benefits.
These include investment in renewal and maintenance of the motorway and infrastructure; a delivery plan to improve motorway’s operation and management; targeted improvements to roads and junctions around Newport; and switching HGVs from the M4 to alternative routes, such as the A465.
There will also be continued investment in public transport, to reduce traffic on the M4 motorway in the region.
The Welsh Government also confirmed that the original M4 Relief Road, known as the Black Route, will not be revived, due to the decades it would take to deliver the project. Instead the government aims to deliver shorter-term operational improvements and longer-term road engineering solutions around Newport.
The government also revealed its plans to immediately recommence development work for a third Menai crossing as well as continued investment in the management, maintenance, and operation of the existing crossings., to keep them safe and reliable.
Investment in practical resilience measures on Britannia Bridge, including wind deflectors, variable speed limits, and other operational improvements to reduce disruption and keep traffic moving, was also announced.
The review also considered and dismissed an option to introduce three-lane tidal-flow operation on Britannia Bridge, due to safety and operational concerns.
Logistics UK praised the Welsh Government’s commitment to tackling the congestion around Newport and Brynglas Tunnel this week.
Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK chief executive, said: “The majority of goods moved across Wales are handled by road transport, with operators reliant on key corridors to ensure households, businesses and public services have what they need.
“The M4 is a vital lifeline which our members use every day, but the significant congestion and resulting delays along this route are impacting businesses’ ability to deliver on time, which adds cost for everyone.
“A long-term solution to alleviate the traffic is sorely needed to reduce congestion and improve reliability for logistics operators, fostering growth across all of Wales.
“We support calls for immediate action to be taken on the M4, which we have long campaigned for.
“I met the Deputy Minister for Transport recently and confirmed our support for his decision to move on from the previous cancelled plan.
“We now hope that work on a tangible congestion solution will accelerate quickly with the support of all parties.”
Richard Smith, RHA MD, gave a more qualified welcome to the plans. He said: “We welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to improving the roads and infrastructure we all rely on.
“We’re pleased they’ve given the green light to the much-needed third Menai crossing. This will improve resilience and unlock economic potential in the region.
“Improvements to the M4 at Newport are long overdue. However, we’re very disappointed that there’s still no announcement of plans for an M4 relief road, nor substantial changes to existing infrastructure that would boost the South Wales economy.
“But we look forward to working with ministers to maximise the potential of alternative schemes to improve connectivity.”
