Public invited to comment on ambitious M4 plans
Under Highways Agency proposals, around 32 miles of the motorway between junction 3 at Hayes and junction 12 at Theale will be widened to four lanes in each direction by converting the hard shoulder to a running lane and installing new technology along the road to help keep traffic flowing.
The ambitious project is estimated to cost around £700m and for which 11 overbridges would be replaced with larger span structures and six underbridges widened to accommodate the four lanes.
The project has been described as a massive job by the Highways Agency.
In a previous report, the agency said that it was a cheaper alternative to traditional road-widening and also said that there would be less impact on the environment during construction. However, it admits there would be risks to air quality and noise as well as making a visual impact.
The first of 11 public information exhibitions will take place at the Madejski Stadium, Reading on Tuesday, November 18, at which members of the public will be able to examine detailed plans for the proposal and speak to members of the project team.
Highways Agency project manager Lynne Stinson said: “This is the biggest smart motorway project yet and will bring real benefits to drivers and the economy. The consultation will set out how we plan to deliver the improvements and we would invite anyone with an interest to get involved and let us know what they think.”
A number of cameras, information signs and signals on road sign structures – known as gantries – would be installed as part of the improvement scheme, which would also include an emergency refuge area with emergency telephones.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News earlier this year, Theale district councillor Alan Macro (Lib Dem), criticised the plans, saying that the Highways Agency were “putting money before lives”.
He said: “They are risking safety the save money – there will be more accidents, injuries and deaths. I am not very happy about the idea. It fills me with trepidation.”
Motorist Laura Potter, who uses to road every day to get to work, said: “I am not sure about the concept of a hard shoulder being opened. Only time will tell if it will work.
“There seems to be some kind of accident or delay every day on the M4 and I guess anything that improves congestion is a good thing.”
Those people wishing to take part in the consultation can complete a questionnaire, which is available on the Highways Agency’s website at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/m4-junction-3-to-12-smart-motorway
Alternatively, questionnaires can be requested free-of-charge from the project team. Email: M4J3to12Smart Motorway @highways.gsi.gov.uk
The consultation will run until Sunday, December 21.
A final decision on the plans is expected from the Secretary Of State in Spring 2016 and if approved, the work is scheduled to take place between 2016 and 2021.