20 July 2009
M4 Junction 24 Coldra Improvements
The Welsh Government is pleased to announce that the work on the M4 Junction 24 Coldra Improvements scheme will be substantially complete at the end of July. Whilst there will be ongoing finishing works to the area, this week will see the opening of the new road layout which will provide a new route for traffic between the A449 and the M4 Westbound entry slip road through the central island. This arrangement has been provided in combination with alterations to the A449 approach to Coldra Roundabout from the North and minor changes to the eastern end of the M4 Westbound entry slip road. It is anticipated that when the new arrangement is open there will be significant improvements to the flows at this busy interchange.
The works have been constructed for the Welsh Government and has involved their Agents, the South Wales Trunk Road Agency to help manage and coordinate the scheme on their behalf. The main contractor for the works is Alun Griffiths Contractors Limited and Capita Symonds has designed the works and carried out the project management of the scheme.
The Coldra is a major gateway to the city of Newport and landscaping is regarded as an important part of the improvement scheme. Newport Unlimited has been consulted to ensure compatibility of the landscaping with their proposals for the other gateways to the city and while there will be works finishing off these areas towards the end of the year during the autumn months there will be over 5000 new plants including trees, shrubs and ground cover plants.
As part of the works a new gantry was installed on the A449 carriageway which, apart form supporting the necessary signs, provides a dormouse crossing to link the local habitats in the area. This is considered to be the first of its kind in Wales and the UK.
This is a busy section of the trunk road network and some disruption to road users was inevitable whilst the works were in progress. The Welsh Government would like to apologise to those who have experienced delays and thank those affected for the patience shown. However, the completed works should benefit road users, local businesses and residents.
Further information can be obtained from the South Wales Trunk Road Agency on 01792 325 900 or e-mail enquiries@southwales-tra.gov.uk.
