SIGNIFICANT investment in a new and improved transport links for Wales, particularly the M4 around Newport, will aid expand opportunities for economic growth, a report out today says.

In its State of the Nation: Transport briefing launched in the Senedd today, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Wales Cymru welcomed improvements already made to the strategic network saying they will lead "to a safer and more reliable network" but stressed the need for investment to continue.

It also highlighted the M4 in the Newport-Cardiff area as a "constant concern" with peak time congestion constraining investment opportunities.

After years of talks the Welsh Government confirmed two weeks ago it would launch a consultation for an M4 relief road in Newport.

If it gets the go ahead a motorway could be built south of the city to ease congestion. This will likely to match a route planned in 2006, which was later scrapped over costs.

This plan has been welcomed by hundreds of Newport residents who feared their homes would be demolished under alternative plans to create two new tunnels at Brynglas.

Today's briefing follows the launch of the UK wide ICE State of the Nation: Transport report in June.

This called for "immediate action" to improve the condition of UK roads, through commitment to a focussed, joint central and local government programme that finally clears a maintenance backlog – including filling millions of pot holes - and establishes a shift from reactive "quick fix" maintenance to planned, more cost effective projects.

The report highlighted the successful approach taken in Wales, where the Welsh Local Government Borrowing Initiative is enabling local authorities to fund highways maintenance and improvements through a £172 million three-year prudential borrowing programme.

Newport was one of the first authorities to take advantage of this and has since reported a reduction in road-related insurance claims.

The report also called for transport strategies from the devolved nations to be joined up with a newly created comprehensive, long term transport strategy for England and extension of the devolved powers on transport - through the creation of more powerful, fully integrated transport authorities in city regions.

ICE said this would enable decisions and spending on roads, local rail, bus networks, ticketing and fares to be made by those with knowledge and understanding of their area.

Keith Jones, Director of ICE Wales Cymru, praised the the Welsh Local Government Borrowing Initiative as an "exemplar scheme" but warned investment in the whole transport network must continue if Wales' economy is to continue to grow.