M4 Junction 18a consultation launch
A consultation launches on Monday 21 August which will help inform a feasibility study into options for a new motorway junction, 18a, to link the M4 with the A4174 ring road.
The consultation will run until Monday 16 October and everyone with an interest in the new junction is encouraged to have their say by completing a survey.
We are asking residents and businesses for their views on two concepts which include an Eastern option and a Western option as the proposed locations for the new junction.
A Western route
This route would use Westerleigh Road and the A4174 ring road adjacent to Lyde Green in Emersons Green. This would mean the new Junction 18a could be located to the north west of the Lyde Green development. It would require some realignment to the M4 itself.
An Eastern route
This route explores the potential of building a link road and junction to the north and west of Pucklechurch. This would require the creation of a new link road, but a new motorway junction could be accommodated without the need to realign the M4.
Cllr Colin Hunt, Cabinet Member responsible for transport, said: “There is a very real need to ease congestion in this part of South Gloucestershire as well as providing improved access to key employment hubs and residential areas. Having successfully secured funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) for the feasibility study, we have been exploring the options for a new junction in line with the DfT’s guidance on major transport schemes.
“The options for Junction 18a are at a very early stage and we have put the draft proposals out for consultation so that people can formally submit their views between now and October. We are also carrying out a series of public engagement events in community settings to make sure we capture as many views as we can on this important issue.”
Andrew Page-Dove, Highways England regional director, said: “We are committed to providing a more free-flowing strategic road network and supporting economic growth.
“We are working with South Gloucestershire Council to look at the feasibility of improving the links between the M4 and the A4174 Avon ring road in a way that complements the operation of the M4 now and in the future and supports the wider growth and transport aspirations for the West of England.”
As well as the survey and supporting consultation materials, we are also carrying out a number of public exhibitions which will be held at community venues. The format will be a drop-in session so that people can come along at a time which is convenient to them. Sessions will be held on:
● Tuesday 5 September, 1pm to 7.30pm at Pucklechurch Community Centre, Abson Road, Pucklechurch, BS16 9RH
● Wednesday 6 September, 6pm to 9pm, St Anne’s Church Hall, Gibbs Lane, Syston BS16 9LT
● Monday 11 September, 4pm to 6.45pm at Westerleigh Village Hall, Shorthill Road, Westerleigh, BS37 8QN
● Thursday 14 September, 1pm to 7.30pm at Emersons Green Village Hall, Emerson Way, Emersons Green, BS16 7AP
● Tuesday 19 September, 4pm to 7pm at the Shire Way Community Centre, Yate, BS37 8YS
● Wednesday 20 September, 12pm to 2pm, the Bristol and Bath Science Park, Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green
● Thursday 21 September, 4pm to 7pm, Warmley Community Centre, 20 Deanery Road, Warmley, BS15 9JB.
Some paper copies of the questionnaire will be available at the drop-in sessions as well as online at www.southglos.gov.uk/m4j18a where you will also find a set of Frequently Asked Questions and other supporting materials when the consultation goes live on Monday (August 21).
Next steps
Having received funding from the Department for Transport to carry out the feasibility study, this work is already underway with support from Highways England.
After the consultation closes in the autumn, further work will be carried out to analyse the responses. Work on the finalised feasibility study is not due to be completed until March 2018 therefore these proposals are at a very early stage and no formal decisions have been taken. Subject to feasibility, funding and consent, the junction and link road would be built from 2025.