A MAMMOTH project to reduce Newport's notorious traffic problem look set to start this autumn.

Results of a public inquiry into the route of the Southern Distributor Road effectively an M4 bypass looping south of the town are imminent.

Political sources believe that the inquiry will give the road the go-ahead, despite objections from protesters along its proposed length.

The Argus also understands that a contractor will be chosen next month from a shortlist of bidders. The scheme is to be financed by the private sector.

Assuming National Assem-bly inspector Anthony Vaugh-an finds in favour of Newport council's plan, work would be expected to begin in the autumn.

Tenders from the four shortlisted bidders were opened last October and the two selected made further representations a couple of months ago.

The road would begin at the Coldra and end at the Pont Ebbw roundabout, allowing heavy traffic bypassing Newport or visiting the town's industrial areas to steer clear of residential and commercial districts and to relieve the parallel length of the M4.

The road will cross the Usk south of George Street bridge, the theory being that it will reduce congestion at the bridge and in Corporation Road, as well as on many routes leading to them.

The road is expected to further open up south Newport for regeneration. Pill resident Jan Preece says the plan to close off Alex-andra Road would sound the death-knell for businesses in lower Pill.

He said: "Unless they come up with something really special for the bottom of Pill it will take the life out of the place."

The section of the M4 through Newport is notorious among road hauliers as being one of the worst, if not THE worst, section of motorway in the UK.

The Road Haulage Association has said that the changes from three lanes to two and back again leads to accidents and congestion.

At the inquiry, Mr Vaughan was told by Pill residents that the SDR was "a road to nowhere." They feared that the new road would drive more traffic on to their streets. Tony Ross, of SDR designers Gwent Consultancy, said one of the road's effects would be to take traffic away from Pill.