Congestion in and around Newport

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:05 pm on 27 November 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 2:05, 27 November 2018

Thank you for that very important question. We've been conducting a series of studies into measures to tackle pinch points on the most heavily congested parts of the motorway and trunk road network. Those studies are under way, and as soon as we've got the results, we will be acting on them. Our transport network needs to obviously be sustainable, as the Member rightly points out.

The pinch-point studies are designed to look at a range of solutions to congestion problems right across the whole range of things available, from public transport to active travel measures, for example. We continue to support local authorities in addressing key local congestion issues through the provision of financial support and collaborative working. A number of other things have been done on the artery, as she calls the M4, quite rightly. M4 junction 28—the construction was completed in autumn 2018, representing an investment of £13.7 million in that area, and the Brynglas tunnels have recently had a £40 million uplift to ensure the tunnels are compliant with current design standards. In addition, essential maintenance has been carried out on the Usk river bridge and the Malpas viaduct.

The Member will, of course, be aware of where we are with the M4 corridor around Newport. The year-long public inquiry has just finished, and we are awaiting advice from the lawyers on the public inquiry to be supplied to the Executive when that's complete. We hope that that process will continue, and then, as the Llywydd knows, we're hoping to get a debate in Plenary time, as promised, on the M4.