3 April 2009
New speed restrictions for M4 Junctions 24 (Coldra) to 28 (Tredegar Park)
New speed restrictions to improve safety and the flow of traffic on the M4 between junctions 24 (Coldra) and 28 (Tredegar Park) will come into place from Monday, 6 April.
This new speed limit will be in place until next year when a new variable speed limit system is introduced.
Signs warning motorists of the new speed limit will be in place before the restrictions begin next week. From the summer of 2010 electronic signs on overhead gantries will allow the speed limit to be varied to control motorway traffic to suit prevailing conditions.
The speed limit is needed to improve safety and traffic flows for motorists on this section of motorway because of congestion on this stretch of road, work to replace the central reservation safety fence, and ongoing widening improvements between junctions 29 and 30.
The length of road affected by the new speed limit will be reduced when the widening works are due to be completed in December 2009.
Work has started to replace the central reserve steel safety fence with a concrete barrier that meets current standards. Concrete barriers are virtually maintenance free and much more effective at preventing large vehicles from crossing over into oncoming traffic in the event of an accident. Such incidents have increased recently and have caused serious accidents and delays to motorists.
When the barrier work is complete it will be possible to reintroduce the national speed limit.
The Welsh Assembly Government wishes to emphasise that the 50 mph speed limit is essential for the safety of motorists and thanks them in advance for their co-operation.
For more information, please contact the South Wales Trunk Road Agency on 01792 325900 or enquiries@southwales-tra.gov.uk.
