Public Consultation on M4 Smart Motorway starts
Residents, road users, local business and the local community are being invited to have their say about plans for a major upgrade to the M4.
Under Highways Agency plans, around 32 miles of the M4 between London and Theale will be widened to four lanes in each direction by converting the hard shoulder to a running lane, and installing new technology along the road to help keep traffic flowing and drivers informed.
Today, a consultation begins and the Highways Agency is keen to hear people’s views on its plans.
Highways Agency project manager, Lynne Stinson, said:
This is the biggest smart motorway project yet and will bring real benefits to drivers and the economy. It is a massive job; it will cost around £700m and involve upgrading or replacing 11 overbridges and 5 underbridges over the motorway. This consultation will set out the how we plan to deliver the improvements and we would invite anyone with an interest in the project to get involved and let us know what they think.
The consultation will run until Sunday 21 December.
The first of 11 public information exhibitions will take place at the Madejski Stadium, Reading on Tuesday 18 November, at which members of the public will be able to look at detailed plans for the proposal and also speak to members of the Highways Agency project team.
People can take part in the consultation by completing our questionnaire which will be available alongside the consultation brochure and will also be available on the Highways Agency’s website
Alternatively, a questionnaire can be requested free of charge by contacting the project team by emailing M4J3to12SmartMotorway@highways.gsi.gov.uk
People can also write to the Highways Agency at:
M4 J3-12 Smart Motorway Team,
Highways Agency,
The Cube,
199 Wharfside Street,
Birmingham,
B1 1RN
Highways Agency spokespeople will be available for interview from Wednesday 12 November.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.