Will the Welsh Government confirm the expected average number of vehicles using junction 28 on the M4 every day, if its plans to close junctions 27, 26, and 25 go ahead?
The report published alongside my Statement on 6 October does not recommend the closure of three M4 junctions. Rather, one of the options considered in the report involves the full closure of Junction 27 (High Cross) and the closure of the east-facing slip roads at Junctions 26 (Malpas) and 25 (Caerleon), with the remaining parts of those junctions continuing to operate. The report notes that alternative combinations of partial or full closures could also be explored through further study.
The report acknowledges that, if such changes were pursued, some traffic would be expected to reassign to other routes, including Junction 28 and the local road network. However, the report does not provide a forecast of the expected average daily number of vehicles that would use Junction 28 under this option, as its analysis is strategic and high level in nature.
As set out during the technical briefing and in the Senedd, no decisions have been taken on any of the options identified in the report. Before any decisions are made, we will undertake detailed traffic modelling and meaningful engagement with local authorities, communities and stakeholders to fully understand the impacts, benefits and consequences of any potential change