Summary

  • First Minister Mark Drakeford rejects a proposed new £1.4bn motorway in south Wales

  • He has published a public inquiry inspector's report which backed the scheme to ease congestion around Newport

  • However, Mr Drakeford revealed the cabinet decided in April the project was unaffordable

  • 'Substantial adverse impacts' on the Gwent Levels wildlife habitat were also a factor, he added

Live Reporting

Andy Roberts, Steve Duffy and Ruth Thomas

  1. The background

    A year-long public inquiry heard the arguments for and against the so-called “black" route – a new 14-mile (23km) six-lane stretch of motorway to alleviate congestion on the M4 around Newport. It would include a bridge across the River Usk, as well as major remodelling of junctions 23 and 29 of the M4. The first minister has been considering the inquiry report since February. Today he is expected to announce his decision.

    (For clarity, the proposed route is depicted in green here, while the existing M4 is shown in blue)

    Image showing the existing M4 and proposed M4 relief road in NewportBBC/Google

  2. Good morning

    Welcome to our coverage of the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford’s decision on the proposed M4 relief road around Newport. We’ll bring you all the detail and reaction over the next few hours. Stay with us.