AN AMBITIOUS plan to cut congestion for the borough’s motorists gets underway on the A329M and M4 sliproads from Monday – but the work will take a year to complete.
It comes just a year after Highways England made controversial changes to the A329M, turning it into single lane motorways for local traffic and those turning off on to the M4, leading to long delays for many commuters at busy times.
The new project aims to improve junction 10 of the M4, and also repair the link road that connects the motorway with the A329M.
Highways England said that the work will ultimately lead to “more reliable and safer journeys” and to minimise disruption to motorists, the two schemes will run concurrently.
As well as the slip road repairs, they will strengthen the slip road bridge at the junction with the aim of prolonging the life of the structure.
All work will take place on the slip roads at the junction and not on the main carriageways of either the M4 or A329M.
Minimise disruption
Gemma Luckhurst, service delivery manager at Highways England, said: “Combining these two schemes will bring the benefits of improved safety at the junction and better journeys while minimising the disruption caused to drivers.”
The work that starts on Monday will see single narrow lanes on the slip roads with a 40mph speed restriction in place to ensure the improvements can be carried out safely for drivers and road workers.
There will also be a 50mph speed restriction on the approaches to the M4 and the slip roads.
Some overnight and weekend slip road closures will be required during the scheme and full details, including diversions, will be publicised in advance.
The schemes, which are scheduled to be completed by November 2017, will also involve improving drainage, some demolition work and the installation of waterproofing material.
