Welsh Government’s chosen option for a new section of the M4 around Newport has been announced, prompting a mixed political and industry response.

Minister for Economy, Science & Transport Edwina Hart revealed that the proposed ‘black route’ is to be adopted (the Government’s pre-consultation preferred strategy).

This option includes construction of a new £1Bn section of three lane motorway between junctions 23 and 29 south of Newport on the M4 corridor, in addition to an M4/M48/B4245 connection and provision of cycling and walking friendly infrastructure.

The scheme is expected to address traffic congestion and unreliable journey times which are common occurrences on the key east-west route.

Confederation of British Industry's Wales director Emma Watkins said: “This announcement is a step in the right direction. The M4 around Newport is simply not fit for the 21st Century. That stretch of motorway is Wales’ main economic artery, it is already congested and is predicted to get worse."

But the Federation of Small Businesses Wales described the Government’s decision as “a billion pound mistake.” Head of external affairs Iestyn Davies said: “The ‘black route' is overly expensive, will take too long to deliver and faces huge opposition from environmental groups.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Economy Minister Eluned Parrott said: “Investing the Welsh Government's entire borrowing powers into one single road leaves no money left for other transport projects like the South Wales Metro, which can provide much greater economic benefit.”

A recent public consultation also sought comments on two ‘reasonable alternatives’ – the ‘red route’ (a dual two lane road) and the ‘purple route’ (a motorway along an alternative alignment) both to the south of Newport – as well as a do minimum scenario.

Construction on the scheme could start in 2018, with prequalification for a contractor to design and build the new road currently under way.