M4 junction closures and new Menai crossing in plans to tackle congestion on Welsh roads

The Welsh government is considering significant changes to alleviate severe traffic congestion at two key locations in Wales: the M4 motorway around Newport and the Menai Strait crossing. One proposal under review involves potentially closing or partially closing three motorway junctions near Newport by 2028. At the same time, plans to construct a new bridge across the Menai Strait are being revived, with an estimated cost of up to £700 million and a projected construction timeline of around a decade.

Alongside these longer-term ambitions, the government is launching an 18-month study to explore various road-based solutions for easing congestion on the M4. This study may assess options including the building of a new motorway south of Newport—though the previously proposed “black route” relief road has been ruled out—as well as widening the Brynglas Tunnels, which are widely recognised as major pinch points. A five-year plan is also in the works to introduce more immediate measures aimed at optimizing motorway operations and management. Deputy Transport Minister Mark Hooper highlighted that one potential improvement under consideration is the closure of junction 27 at High Cross and some east-facing slip roads at junctions 25 and 26, to enhance traffic flow.

However, opinions on these proposals are divided. Newport’s city council leader, Dimitri Batrouni, expressed strong opposition to the idea of closing junctions, describing the impact on residents as a “bitter pill.” He raised concerns about increased traffic burden on local roads. Similarly, critics from the Welsh Conservatives and Reform Wales argue that closing junctions merely shifts congestion rather than resolving the underlying capacity issues. They maintain that the only viable long-term solution is the construction of an M4 relief road. Public consultation will be crucial, experts warn; a recent ARUP review warned that public acceptance of junction closures may be low and that the move could inadvertently increase congestion, noise, and delays on alternative routes.

Meanwhile, the Welsh government also recommitted to advancing plans for a third crossing of the Menai Strait. Although formally shelved three years ago, officials have now returned to development work on the project, which would alleviate pressure on the existing Britannia Bridge—the only single-carriageway section of the A55. The new crossing would likely take between eight to ten years to construct after development phases costing an estimated £670 million. Safety concerns have ruled out plans to implement a three-lane tidal-flow system on the Britannia Bridge, but other measures including wind deflectors and variable speed limits are planned to improve the situation in the meantime. Deputy Minister Hooper emphasised that despite such measures, the third crossing remains essential.

In addition to road infrastructure, the government is focusing on rail improvements, with plans to accelerate delivery of new stations at Cardiff Parkway, Magor, and Undy supported by Transport for Wales. However, the issue of rail remains partly outside devolved powers and hinges on additional UK government funding already pledged. Hooper insisted to the Senedd that “people want action, not endless discussion,” stressing the government’s commitment to improving journeys and reducing disruption. Yet local leaders and opposition politicians remain sceptical, arguing that after months of delay and reviews, tangible progress remains elusive. Residents like Wendy and Roger Panting voiced frustration over chronic congestion, with Roger stating, “I don’t see anything other than that [an M4 relief road] as being the solution.” As the government navigates these complex transport challenges, many commuters in both north and south Wales hope for swifter, more decisive action to ease their daily struggles

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