The Welsh Government has committed to developing a third Menai crossing and confirmed that new road infrastructure will form part of the long-term solution to congestion on the M4 around Newport.
The two announcements represent significant developments for some of Wales’ most persistent transport and infrastructure challenges, with potential implications for businesses, freight operators and investment across both north and south Wales.
Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper confirmed the plans in the Senedd, saying the Government wanted to move from prolonged debate towards practical action.
Development work on a third Menai crossing will restart immediately, with the Welsh Government progressing design work, environmental assessments, the business case and the statutory approvals required for a new crossing.
The decision follows a review which concluded that resilience remains a significant issue for businesses, communities and travellers on Ynys Môn and across north Wales when either of the existing crossings is restricted or closed.
Alongside development of the new crossing, investment will continue in the maintenance and operation of the existing infrastructure.
Britannia Bridge is also set to receive resilience improvements including wind deflectors and variable speed limits, alongside other measures intended to reduce disruption.
One option that will not progress is a three-lane tidal-flow system on Britannia Bridge, after the review identified safety and operational concerns.
For businesses in north Wales and on Anglesey, the decision could provide greater long-term certainty around a strategic transport connection which is particularly important for freight, tourism, commuting and access to Holyhead.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Gary Pritchard said:
“This is very good news for Anglesey and is to be welcomed. As a County Council, we have fought for a third crossing over the Menai Straits for a number of years. I’m pleased that the Welsh Government have listened and have recognised how important this is for the Island and the wider region.
“A third crossing means much more than getting to grips with traffic delays. It ensures the resilience and infrastructure needed for Anglesey and the future and ensures that our communities and businesses can benefit from the significant economic opportunities ahead.”
Chief Executive of Anglesey council, Dylan J Williams stated:
“I’m glad to see the commitment from Welsh Government to move forward to develop the third crossing over the Menai Straits. This is an important step for Anglesey and north Wales, recognising the importance of a resilient connection for people, businesses and public services.
“There is a lot of work yet to do but the decision to fund the design steps and permission gives hope we will see true momentum behind the project. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government to achieve this vision for future generations.”
In south east Wales, the Government has also concluded that road infrastructure improvements are needed to address congestion around Newport.
An 18-month study will now examine potential road-based solutions before a preferred option is selected.
The announcement does not yet determine what that new infrastructure will look like, but it establishes road capacity as part of the Government’s approach to addressing the long-running M4 problem.
The motorway is one of Wales’ most important economic corridors, providing a strategic connection between south Wales, the English motorway network and major employment and investment locations.
The Government said its review had found that congestion continued to create unreliable journeys and disruption, while concluding that no single intervention would resolve the problem.
While the longer-term M4 options are assessed, a package of shorter-term interventions will be introduced over the next five years.
These will include investment in the renewal and maintenance of the strategic road network and improvements to the operation and management of the motorway.
Targeted improvements are also planned for roads and junctions around Newport, while greater use of alternative routes including the A465 will be explored to improve freight resilience.
Public transport investment will continue alongside the road programme, including work with Transport for Wales to accelerate Cardiff
Parkway and Magor and Undy stations, improve access to Severn Tunnel Junction and strengthen bus connectivity between Newport and Cardiff.
The Government’s ambition is to reduce peak-hour traffic on the M4 by up to around 10%.
Mark Hooper said people and businesses wanted to see tangible improvements rather than further discussion.
“People want action, not endless discussion. They want reliable journeys, less disruption and confidence that Government is getting on with improving things.”
He said the M4 study would examine a range of road-based solutions while other measures were pursued to reduce pressure on the motorway.
On north Wales, he added:
“People on Ynys Môn and across the north of Wales have waited a long time for greater certainty about the future of the crossings.”
Russell Greenslade, CBI Wales Director, said:
“Tackling the M4 handbrake on Welsh growth is an urgent priority for business after years of discussions about relief roads and little action, as businesses and motorists continue to suffer from traffic bottlenecks on the main route in south Wales.
“The business community will now be focussed on working with politicians to deliver solutions to the congestion. The new government must put its foot to the floor to ensure the M4 becomes a gateway, not a barrier to investment, jobs and prosperity for local communities.
“The government is also right to prioritise a third Menai crossing, giving Ynys Môn access to new investment in an area that, with the Wylfa nuclear reactor, will be at the heart of the UK’s clean energy future. Ageing infrastructure and bridge closures cannot continue to hold back North Wales’ growth ambitions that are dependent on reliable access to the A55, and onto North West England.
“The CBI will work together with government to translate these plans into bricks and mortar infrastructure to boost growth in the North and South Wales economies.”
Joshua Miles, Head of FSB Wales, said:
“For too long, businesses have been discussing these problems without seeing a clear route to delivery. The M4 and Menai Crossings are critical economic links for Welsh businesses, and it is encouraging to see a renewed focus on getting on with the job.
“Our recent Big Small Business Survey found that 88% of firms rely on the private car for the success of their business, while 44% say road maintenance and quality impact their business and 41% are affected by the low frequency of public transport services.”
“Plans for a third Menai crossing are welcome, and Welsh Government should set out its timescales for delivery as soon as possible.
“Looking again at a roads-based solution to the M4 around Newport is helpful, however proposed junction closures are a concern and could significantly impact on local businesses. They reflect a failure to deal with the issues around Newport over decades.
“However, roads are only part of the picture. We also need to see the UK Government deliver on its commitment to rail investment between Cardiff and Bristol, following the recommendations of the Burns Review.
“The key test now is delivery. We will be looking to the next Welsh Government budget for clear evidence that these commitments are being backed with the funding needed to turn long-standing discussions into real progress for Welsh businesses.”
The announcements put two major pieces of Welsh transport infrastructure firmly back on the development agenda.
For the business community, attention will now turn to how quickly the third Menai crossing can move from development into delivery, and what form the proposed road-based solution around Newport will ultimately take.
