M4: New Brynglas tunnels plan discussed at public meeting

The area is a well-known traffic hotspot

Residents attended a public meeting to air concerns that their homes could be demolished if plans to build two new tunnels on the M4 go ahead.

Up to 300 homes and businesses may be affected if new tunnels are built at Brynglas.

New tunnels are one option being considered under a Welsh government consultation aimed at addressing congestion in the area.

About 120 people attended the public meeting at Brynglas House on Friday.

A <link> <caption>public consultation</caption> <url href="http://www.m4cemconsultation.com/default.asp" platform="highweb"/> </link> on the proposals began on 6 March, and will end on 6 June.

Proposals include boring two new tunnels at Brynglas - a pinch-point where the M4 is two lanes in both directions.

The new tunnels would allow the motorway to be expanded to four lanes in each direction between junctions 24 to 29 over 15 years, at a cost of about £550m.

The Brynglas tunnels, during construction in the 1960s

Other options for the notorious traffic bottleneck include a new dual carriageway to the south of Newport.

There is also an option for junction improvements on the A48 southern distributor road.

Last summer, traffic was closed in both directions, causing long delays, when a lorry caught fire inside one of the tunnels.

A Welsh government spokesperson said: "We are putting to the people of Newport every possible option for tackling congestion but none of these options are being imposed.

"We would continue to urge the people of Newport to have their say so that we can develop the best situation."

The Welsh government is also holding information events on: 11 May, Brynglas House, 12:00-19:00 BST; 15 May, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Magor, 12:00-19:00 BST and 17 May, Newport Centre, 12:00-19:00 BST.