Welsh Government eyes M4 junction closures to ease congestion

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 19:55 · Archive

The Welsh Government is considering closing three M4 junctions in Newport to reduce motorway congestion by around 3%.

The Welsh Government has announced plans to close or restrict access at three M4 junctions in Newport as part of efforts to tackle congestion on the motorway. Completely shutting Junction 27 (High Cross) and some sliproads at Junctions 25 and 26 (Caerleon and Malpas) would take less than two years to implement and reduce M4 congestion by approximately 3%, according to government estimates.

Wales' Transport Minister Mark Hooper defended the proposals, stating that the M4 and Newport need to be treated as one issue. He acknowledged that current conditions do not work coherently, saying the city's roads must function better as drivers exit the motorway. The government will launch an 18-month study examining various 'roads-based solutions', including widening the Brynglas Tunnels and the A48, whilst continuing to support public transport investment.

Newport City Council has broadly rejected the plan. Council leader Dimitri Batrouni said he was 'flabbergasted' by the proposal, warning that closing junctions would 'inhibit our growth but cause traffic mayhem in key choke points'. The government's own report acknowledged the measure 'would likely be unpopular with the local community' and could trigger council objections due to increased city congestion, noting that 'appropriate package of local mitigation measures' would need to be agreed.

How it is being reported

• Newport Council leader says M4 junctions plan 'feels like a lot of pain for marginal gain'Dimitri Batrouni said he fears any closure of junctions on the M4 will be permanentWalesOnline · 8 Oct, 21:10
• ‘You’re penalising Newport residents’ - M4 junction closure plan sparks backlashNewport councillors reject Welsh Government plans to close M4 junctions 25, 26 and 27, warning of more local congestion despite a 3% traffic reduction.South Wales Argus · 8 Oct, 19:32
• Wales' transport minister responds to criticism of proposals to shut M4 junctionsThe government minister said a new road could be built to ease congestion, saying all options were being consideredWalesOnline · 8 Oct, 16:22

In this story: Welsh Government · Newport · Mark Hooper · Newport City Council · Dimitri Batrouni

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