Call for public to support new M48 Rogiet link road junction

A top official has pleaded with members of the public to support a plan to create a new junction from the M48. 

The proposal, from Monmouthshire County Council, has been included in a draft regional transport plan for South East Wales that is currently out for consultation. 

Creating a new access to the M48 from the Severn Tunnel Junction railway station was rejected by a Welsh Government review of new road schemes in February 2023.   

But the idea has been included in the transport plan councils from Monmouthshire to Bridgend have compiled. 

Debra Hill-Howells, Monmouthshire council’s chief infrastructure officer, told councillors public support is needed to convince the Welsh Government of the merits of the proposal. 

She told the council’s public services scrutiny committee: “It features in the regional transport plan draft that is out for consultation. 

“I would love as many members of the public to complete the consultation and say they would like to see that in there so it becomes part of the final draft.” 

Ms Hill-Howells said the council has also requested the “declassification” of the M48 to create a new link road which she said would create a “substantial saving” for a construction project. 

The proposal will also be considered as part of a report, known as a WelTAG or Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance, study to reduce congestion at the notorious Highbeech Roundabout at Chepstow. 

A new junction and link road was a recommendation of the Burns Commission to reduce congestion and traffic using the M4 around Newport. 

The council officer said a new road would allow residents from Rogiet, Magor and Caldicot to access the M48 and the Severn bridges without having to use the Highbeech roundabout. 

Caldicot West End Labour councillor Jill Bond said she understood Ms Hill-Howells to say she wanted residents to respond to the consultation to “make sure (the proposal) is higher on the list.” 

The consultation is open until Monday, May 19 and can be found at regionaltransportplanccr.wales.