FROM today, people can have their say on plans which could see a new motorway built through the Gwent Levels.

The Welsh Government has opened its consultation into the so-called M4 Relief Road that could see a new motorway built to the south of Newport.

Plans include a new link to the M48 and seeing the old M4 downgraded to a non-motorway road.

However, a deal with officials in London over whether the Welsh Government would be allowed borrowing powers is still under negotiation. Without agreement, it would be difficult for Cardiff Bay to get the road built.

Business minister Edwina Hart said: “Traffic congestion and unreliable journey times, particularly during rush hour, are common occurrences on the M4 around Newport.

“The Welsh Government is committed to addressing capacity and resilience problems on this key artery, widely recognised as essential to support the Welsh economy.”

People in Wales have already been through other consultations for their thoughts on possible relief roads and Ms Hart says the new one builds on a study last year on measures to reduce congestion.

That consultation looked at several routes, including a new tunnel at Brynglas, before recommending an earlier route for the M4 Relief Road.

Under the new draft plan, the new M4 would see a three-lane motorway built between junction 23 Magor and junction 29 at Castleton, crossing the Newport docks and the River Usk.

The route, shown in black on the map, has been protected for planning purposes since 2006 and would require the Grade II listed Magor Vicarage to be demolished and a standing stone scheduled ancient monument at Llanfiangel to be relocated.

It also crosses 8.5 kilometres of land on Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Officials would also want the existing M4 between Magor and Castleton to be reclassified as a non-motorway, with a long-sought-after link between the M48 and the B4245.

The latter road would allow quicker access to the motorway network from Caldicot. Cycle and walking “friendly” infrastructure would also be provided as part of the draft plan.

Two alternatives are also being considered, shown in red and purple on the map.

A series of drop-in exhibitions are to take place in Magor’s Ebenezer Baptist Church on October 2 and 3, in Newport Centre on October 8 and 9 and November 25 and 26 and Brynglas’ All Saints Church on October 15 and 16.

Castleton’s Village Hall will host an exhibition on October 29 and 30. All sessions will be held from 12pm to 7pm.

For more information on the consultation, which closes on December 16, visit www.M4newport.com