Highways Agency

A34 Chieveley / M4 Jct 13 Improvement

Objectives & Benefits

Scheme Objectives

Since the construction of the Newbury Bypass, the A34/M4 junction is the last remaining 'at grade' junction on the A34 route between the M40 at Oxford and the M3 at Winchester. During an average day the A34 in the vicinity of Junction 13 carries approximately 60,000 vehicles, of which approximately 50% are A34 through traffic. The subsequent congestion on the A34 can be particularly acute at peak times, and often leads to 'rat running' through local villages such as Chieveley and Beedon.

The main objective of the scheme is to improve the free flow of traffic on the A34 by providing an unimpeded route for north-south through traffic. An additional benefit will be the improved safety of the junction once A34 through traffic is removed. As a consequence of rebuilding the junction opportunity has been taken to sympathetically re-integrate the new road into the local landscape to a higher standard than the original construction of the M4 or A34.

Scheme Benefits

Reduced delay

A34 through traffic will be removed from the Junction 13 roundabout, freeing up capacity and leading to reduced journey times and greater journey time certainty for both A34 and Junction 13 traffic; Signalling at Junction 13 will be improved to reduce queues on slip roads.

Reduced noise

A noise reducing surfacing will be used on all road surfaces; Further noise reduction to residential properties through the construction of a noise barrier at Chieveley and landscape mounding around sensitive locations.

Improved local environment

Rat running through local villages will be reduced; Landscaping proposals will involve new hedges, dense forest and low screen planting and ground remodelling to integrate the new junction into the existing landscape (much of which will be returned to agriculture); Improved network of bridleways and public rights of way around Chieveley leading to the creation of the "Chieveley Community Circuit".

Improved safety

13% reduction in accidents achieved by the removal of traffic from the Junction 13 Roundabout

Reduced pollution

Improved air quality as a consequence of reduced congestion and fewer vehicles passing through at-grade junctions.

Traffic Management

To construct the scheme it is necessary to employ significant traffic management schemes. These include:

• M4 hard shoulder closures
• M4 narrow lanes (but retaining three in each direction during peak times)
• M4 off-peak lane closures
• Two 8 hour closures of the M4 for the demolition of Bussocks Wood Bridge and the erection of the replacement bridge
• M4 slip road closures
• M4 speed restrictions (50mph)
• Works in the verge of the M4 and A34
• A34 narrow lanes (two in each direction)
• A34 off-peak lane closures
• A34 speed restrictions (40mph)

The above schemes will be signed in accordance with the current standards and will be publicised using information bulletins issued in many formats, including the media.

We ask you to take extra care during these phases for the sake of your safety and that of our workers and other motorists - Thank you.