Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

Current Progress

ROADWORKS UPDATE- FEBRUARY

Preparatory Work commenced on 12 January 2012 when we installed narrow lanes to help manage traffic through the works.  Works were then officially started on 25 January 2012 by Roads Minister Mike Penning.

During February we will be carrying out repair work within closed lanes and earthworks along the M4. Details of any closures and diversions that will take place can be viewed on the Impact on your Journey page.

Statutory Instrument Consultation Exercise 2011
A  12 week statutory consultation on the implementation of variable mandatory speed limits and hard shoulder running took place from September 2011 to 23 December 2011. The consultation document was issued to relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, emergency services and transport associations. It has been made available to the public through this website and by issuing a press notice to inform local residents.

The consultation is now complete. The majority of the consultation responses were favourable so we are taking steps to progress the regulations to be laid before Parliament. The consultation report will be produced in due course and published on this website. Details of  this consultation and the related documents can be found on the consultation page. 

About the Project

What is happening?
We are working to improve the M4 between junctions 19 and 20, and the M5 between junctions 15 and 17, by introducing managed motorways. Following the October 2010 Spending Review, it was announced in April 2011 that this scheme would be prepared to start construction in early 2012. For a full list of schemes announced in the October 2010 spending review please visit our Future Delivery Programme page.

When and where is it happening?
The M4/M5 managed motorway scheme is taking place on the link between the main motorways between London, the West and the Midlands and South-West. It serves the City of Bristol.  The scheme is planned to be open to traffic in 2014. 

Why is this happening and what will it cost?
This work is needed on the M4/M5 as the route suffers from heavy congestion and unpredictable journey times. The estimated outturn cost of the M4/M5 project is £88.6 million, which comprises construction and development costs.

How will the scheme be carried out?
Will be installing a number of cameras, information signs and signals on gantries as part of the improvement scheme. As the scheme design progresses we will provide more information on the location of these features. We held an exhibition on the 4-5 November 2011 at Bradley Stoke to explain how we will manage construction to deliver the scheme and to answer any questions that members of the public had. We have also produced an Appraisal Summary Table, which summarises the environmental, economic and social impacts of this scheme. This table and the information from our exhibition are available on our Publications section.

How will this impact on my journey?
Managed motorways involve significantly less disruption to road users than conventional widening schemes. However, while we will try to minimise disruption, some delays will be unavoidable.  For more information go to the Impact on your Journey page.

What are the benefits?
This project brings together motorway technologies, infrastructure and procedures, from the UK and around the world, to maximise a number of benefits:

• Targeted solutions to specific problems
• Additional capacity for vehicles
• Piloting new and innovative concepts
• Helping to alleviate congestion
• Improving the detection of incidents
• Improving the response to incidents
• Reducing delays caused by incidents or congestion

Building on best practice and experience of the M42, managed motorways combines existing technology with new and innovative ideas. Together, these make the best use of the existing road space to provide additional capacity for vehicles, reducing congestion and improving safety.

Managed motorways is a new technology driven approach to the use of our motorways. They will help to increase motorway capacity and relieve congestion, where and when it is most needed. Managed motorways is a pro-active approach to the strategic management of our road network. This will allow us to better fulfil our role as Network Operator. These benefits will also support economic development in the region. Managed motorways deliver benefits at a significantly lower cost, and with less impact on the environment during construction than conventional motorway widening. Find out more about managed motorways please visit the Managed Motorway pages. 

How do I find out more information?
More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.

If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 5000.

Progress at a Glance

Activity	Month/Year	Status
Scheme Design Stage		Completed
Public Information Exhibition	November 2011	Completed
Start of Works	January 2012	Current
Construction Starts	January 2012	Current
Construction Complete	2014	Planned

Map

Your Feedback

• Did you find the content useful?
  
  Yes No
  
  
• If No please give reasons:
  
  
  
  
• Do you have any suggestions on how the content could be improved?