| |
scheme overview |
|
|
|
|
M4 widening: CASTLETON TO CORYTON (Jn 29 to Jn 32)
The M4 is locally, nationally and internationally important, forming part of the Trans European Road Network (TERNS): E 30 Route linking Cork to Moscow. The section between Castleton and Coryton was opened in 1980 as a dual 2 lane motorway. There is an intermediate Junction 30 (Pentwyn) Cardiff Gate north east of Cardiff. Overbridges were built wide enough for dual 3 lane motorway standard, but land take elsewhere was limited to accommodate a dual 2 lane standard.
Because of substantial increases in traffic flows since opening, this section experiences congestion, particularly during peak times. Heavy goods vehicles often occupy both lanes frustrating other travellers.
Widening to a dual 3 lane standard would provide additional capacity, reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability without compromising safety.
Carillion was awarded the design and construct contract in February 2005 by Welsh Assembly Government. Preliminary design details and an Environmental Statement were published in February 2006. Environmental mitigation addressed effects of the project on people and the natural environment. A public local inquiry into unresolved issues with land owners was held in July 2006. The Assembly’s Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks Made the necessary Orders, including acquiring strips of land, in December, 2006.
Detailed design has since been undertaken integrating environmental features. The first of four principal phases of constructing the widening commenced in May, 2007. It will take about 7 months to complete the north side widening between Coryton and Cardiff Gate. The second phase, programmed from early 2008, will be on the south side between Cardiff Gate and Coryton. The other two phases will be Cardiff Gate to Castleton (north side) and Castleton to Cardiff Gate (south side). The whole widening project is programmed to be complete by December 2009. Widening will cost about £ 71m. The additional capacity provided over this section would meet predicted traffic growth for at least the next 15 years and is part of the Assembly’s programme to improve transportation in south - east Wales.
Throughout the contract, dual 2 lanes will be maintained using contraflow, with speeds monitored by cameras. Exceptionally and during off peak / night time periods further local restrictions may be required. Local roads will be unaffected other than for allowing construction vehicles to reach parts of the motorway not easily accessible from the motorway.
Extensive public liaison with statutory bodies, local people and travellers continues in order to address sensitive construction issues. |
| |
|
|
