Welsh Government’s Transport Minister Edwina Hart has set out her aims for transportation in the Principality, stressing the sector will play a critical role in improving economic competiveness.

High on the agenda is the M4 corridor around Newport. Currently in the planning stage the project, if implemented, would see a motorway being built to the south of the city. This would address capacity and resilience problems on this key artery which is widely recognised as essential to support the Welsh economy, Ms Hart said.

A number of other schemes were also put forward in her written statement that was released last week. She intends to progress the Eastern Bay Link in Cardiff as well as an upgrade to Junction 28 on the M4.

“These projects are an important element in improving access to the Central Cardiff Enterprise Zone and enhancing connectivity within the city region,” she said. 

Access in and around Cardiff Airport will also be improved. The A465 remains a priority and the Government intends to push ahead the route’s remaining phases of dualling, given its importance to the Upper Valley’s economy.

The following improvements are to be delivered over the next two years: 

• M4 Port Talbot Junction 40 to J41
• A483 Newtown town centre congestion 
• M4 J32 Coryton dedicated slip road
• A55 emergency refuges
• M4 J33 dedicated slip road

In addition, Ms Hart said further study work would continue in the next year, specifically on the A487 Dyfi Bridge drainage study and the A55 Britannia Bridge congestion study.

Photo: John Grayson

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