A £60-MILLION bypass is one of three possible solutions which have been backed in a transport study to tackle traffic congestion in Chepstow.

A report on the latest stage of the Chepstow Transport Study, has recommended a single carriageway bypass option is taken forward, alongside active travel and public transport improvements.

The study, commissioned by Monmouthshire council and partners including  Gloucestershire councils, highlights issues of traffic congestion, a high number of commuter journeys, limited bus and rail connectivity, and poor air quality at Hardwick Hill.

A bypass would reduce traffic and congestion, particularly on the A48 through Chepstow, according to the study.

But it comes at a cost of about £60-million and building it would face constraints including around ancient woodland, listed buildings and wildlife sites.

A ‘lower carbon’ option with a 40mph speed limit has been favoured over a 60mph option, with the former said to offer greater value for money.

The bypass would start in Thornwell, crossing the River Wye and connecting to Beachley Road before crossing over the railway and connecting to the A48 at a new roundabout.

A single carriageway with a 40mph speed limit is proposed and the route would also incorporate active travel.

The proposal aims to minimise building new infrastructure and maximise the use of existing roads.

Cllr Jeremy Becker, who runs the Chepstow and Sedbury Bypass Action Group, said a bypass is “a solution we are going to need”, especially with new housing developments taking place.

Cllr Becker said he support plans for active travel and public transport improvements, but fears these will not be enough to solve congestion issues.

“I think [those options] will make a difference, but it’s not going to be enough to cope with the amount of housebuilding that’s going up,” he said.

Conservative councillor Christopher Edwards, who represents St Kingsmark in Chepstow, said a bypass is “much-needed”, but he said a Welsh Government announcement to freeze road-building projects was “another setback” to the proposal.

But Chepstow councillor Armand Watts said a bypass is “simply not going to happen”, and has instead called for a more ‘holistic’ approach to planning and building new houses.

“We have to start thinking about alternatives, because as difficult as it is, we have no other option,” he said.

Another option being taken forward is to upgrade active travel routes, such as walking and cycling, including improvements to the A48 and A466.

The proposal could also include the closure of the Old Wye Bridge to traffic and part-time pedestrianisation options.

Public transport improvements will also be drawn up, including option to create a public transport hub and the feasibility of an interchange with enhanced links to bus services.

The active travel scheme is to be commissioned in the coming weeks, while a study on the public transport scheme will take place this year.

The bypass is subject to further discussions about how the scheme might be funded.

Cllr Jane Pratt, cabinet member with responsibility for strategic integrated transport, said: “It’s heartening that all of the local authorities, government departments and other public bodies have worked positively towards getting to this stage and that some aspects of the study are set to progress.

“As a cross border project it has proven successful so far, although I acknowledge the challenges regarding transforming proposals into reality.”

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