M4 link between Magor and Castleton

[Admin]

A good few years off yet, but this is going to have a massive impact on the area.

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/transport/roads/NewRoads2/M4/?lang=en (http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/transport/roads/NewRoads2/M4/?lang=en)
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In December 2004 the Welsh Assembly Government announced that the New M4 Magor to Castleton Project could be ready to start by April 2010, subject to completion of statutory procedures and availability of funds.

The new dual 3-lane motorway will be 15 miles (24 km) long, linking Junction 23A at Magor and Junction 29 at Castleton. The route crosses the Gwent Levels, including several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (or SSSIs), so great care will be taken to minimise the effects on the SSSIs by using previous industrial land where feasible.

[Kexxy]

A good few years off yet, but this is going to have a massive impact on the area.



Positive impact or negative impact?

[DEH]

HI

My family and I are moving to the area.

Is there any more news about whether this M4 link is going ahead? I've read the previous Welsh Assembly webpage and it sounds reasonably likely.

Any further information greatly appreciated.

[Admin]

I'd personally be surprised if it didn't go ahead. I believe the biggest objection is on the grounds of conservation.

Can't deny that the current stretch of the M4 does suffer from heavy congestion. Also, the proposed Llanwern (http://llanwernregeneration.uat.bit10.net/) site is going to introduce an awful lot more traffic into the area.

The proposed schedule below from The Welsh Assembly site sees a lot of things happening this year.



Outline programme


April 2006
Announcement of amended preferred route.
April/May 2006
Public information exhibitions held.
Early 2009
Outline Business Case submitted to Minister.
2009
Draft Orders, Regulations and Environmental Statement published.
2009
Possible public local inquiry.
2010
Provisional start of construction.
Contact us

By telephone
0845 010 3300 ? bilingual greeting, or
0845 010 4400 ? Welsh language greeting.

By email
Email us at newm4@wales.gsi.gov.uk (newm4@wales.gsi.gov.uk). We will respond to enquiries received by e-mail within 15 working days.

By post
New M4 Project
Transport Wales
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NQ.

[The original Severn Bore]

2009, possible local public enquiry.
2010, provisional date for start of construction.

2015?? proposal to add another three lanes in each direction.

I should say they'll probably build it, regardless of the results of the 'possible' public enquiry. And then one day it too will be overcrowded and an accident blackspot... but, that's progress.

[pxsen]

I've always felt unhappy about this project. I know how congested the M4 gets, but a new motorway is going to have a terrible impact on an area which really is very attractive, and what an eye sore it will be! Also, how will it affect house prices in the area?

[The original Severn Bore]

It will be an eyesore, no doubt about that... and it's been shown in the past that new roads or motorways quickly become congested, they build 'em and we fill 'em.. but I don't know what the alternative is, if the powers that be are convinced it's the way to go then you can almost guarantee that's what will happen...

Hard to say what it'll do to the house prices, if the house is close to the proposed route I imagine the value will fall.. on the other hand some would say a better motorway network will bring increased prosperity and more people into the area, more demand for houses, higher prices, possibly??

It depends how you want to look at it, and if you prefer to see fields with cows grazing or your interest lies in getting from A to B in the shortest time possible... at least until they start the roadworks...

[pxsen]

I do prefer to see cows grazing!! Isn't that one of the wonders of this area and one of things that attracted us all to the area? It's a village (well now a conjoined village), surrounded by beautiful open countryside. It's a sin to ruin that and make the area into a concrete eyesore. So many areas of countryside in Britain are ruined by new relief roads, or extensive housing estates. I've heard so few negative comments about the project that I sometimes wonder if I'm the only local person with these thoughts!

[The original Severn Bore]

I think a lot of local people probably share our views.. but we've become a nation that tends to complain in private and say nothing in public. Apathy rules.

On the other hand, there's probably at least as many people who don't care less either way. A lot of people don't see, or can't see, or don't care to see beyond the ends of their noses.

I've always lived in this area, so it wasn't a case of being attracted by the scenery; I grew up with it.

There are two open fields between Caldicot and Rogiet, I've been expecting them to be built on for years, hasn't happened yet but it could, quite easily. It's the same the other way, Rogiet to Undy.. one day we might see a sprawling housing estate from Caldicot to Magor. Now there's a depressing thought..

But what's the answer? The population is increasing, building land is at a premium. Everybody has a car. People have to live somewhere. I'm not saying I'm in favour of further development, I'm just trying to see the argument from both sides.

[The original Severn Bore]

Good news on the decision to scrap this scheme. I was wrong, I really thought they'd build it. Common sense wins the day, for once.

[mpj]

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/search/4495890.M4_RELIEF_ROAD__18_years_after_first_plan_ __relief_road_scrapped/

[Admin]

New_M4
Source: Wikipedia.org