Live webchat on planned M4 upgrade to take place today (Tues)

Under Highways Agency proposals, around 32 miles of the M4 between junction 3 (Hayes) and junction 12 (Theale) will be widened to four lanes in each direction by converting the hard shoulder to a running lane.
New technology would also be installed along the road to help keep traffic flowing and drivers informed, while 16 motorway bridges would have to be either upgraded or replaced to accommodate the four lanes.
The £700m project is the biggest ‘smart motorway’ upgrade to date.
The Highways Agency says that it will bring ‘real benefits to drivers and the economy’.
However, the RAC says it has ‘severe reservations’ about the plans.
The live webchat will take place from 1pm to 2pm.
Those wishing to participate can do so at www.highways.gov.uk/M4webchat and questions can be submitted in advance to M4J3to12SmartMotorway@highways.gsi.gov.uk
Highways Agency project manager, Lynne Stinson, said: “This webchat is a great way for anyone with an interest in the project to get involved and let us know what they think.”
The first of 11 public information exhibitions on the plans took place at the Madejski Stadium recently.
People can take part in the consultation by completing a questionnaire which will be available alongside the consultation brochure and will also be available on the Highways Agency’s website at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/m4-junction-3-to-12-smart-motorway
Alternatively, a questionnaire can be requested free of charge by contacting the project team by emailing M4J3to12SmartMotorway@highways.gsi.gov.uk
The consultation will run until Sunday December 21.