A MAJOR motorway used by thousands of drivers every day will be severely affected by six months of closures, with motorists urged to check their route.
Disruption is expected on the M4 between junctions 37 and 38 near Pyle, Wales, for half a year beginning on June 9.
2
The road works are to “ensure the safety and long-term resilience of the motorway”.
The measures being undertaken to ensure safety and deterioration of the road involve refurbishing five bridges.
During the works, the motorway will remain open but with just two running lanes in both directions for the duration of the repairs.
Lane closures will be limited to overnight only and will be clearly signposted in advance.
Speed restrictions will also be in place temporarily, to ensure both driver and worker safety.
Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, said: “Fixing and maintaining our roads and making them more resilient is a priority for us.
“I understand the works will cause disruption and I’d like to thank motorists for their patience whilst the work is taking place, however it is important it is carried out during periods of drier and warmer weather to ensure it can be done effectively.”
The work, lasting six months, is due to be carried out in four main phases.
So far, only information has been issued for the preparatory work and phase one by the Welsh Government.
The initial preparatory work will set up the contraflow system.
Starting on June 9 at 8pm and continuing overnight until 6am on June 10 the westbound section will be closed between J37 Pyle to J39 Groes.
Then from 8pm on June 10 to 6am June 12 both directions will be closed overnight for two night between J37 and J39.
From 8pm on June 12 to 6am the next day, the westbound section will be closed for one night between the same junctions.
The eastbound section will then be closed overnight for two nights from June 13 at 8pm to June 15 at 6am between J38 Margam to J37 Pyle.
Phase one – involves work on the central reservation.
June 15 starting at 6am – July 16.
What is happening during Phase One of the road works
Starts on June 15 at 6am
Work on the central reservation will take place
Traffic flow reduced from three lanes to two in both directions
A 50mph speed limit will be imposed
Further details about the other phases will be released nearer the time
Central reserve works with traffic flow reduced from three lanes to two lanes in each direction.
A 50mph speed limit will be operating.
Further details on later phases of works will be published closer to the time.
Night time full closures in both directions will be required in order to install and alter the traffic management measures.
The main works will predominantly be undertaken during daytime.
During the phases, no diversion route will be necessary with all traffic and junctions 37 and 38 will still operate.
During the isolated full closures to install traffic management measures, a diversion route will be in force using the A4229 and A48.
Westbound, traffic will be directed off the M4 at Junction 37 and via the A4229 and A48, re-joining the M4 at junction 39.
2
