WORK to link the M4 at Junction 23A with Queensway in the south of Newport is expected to be completed early next year, according to Monmouthshire council.

The Welsh Government is working to link up the M4 with the Southern Distributor Road by using the Steelworks Access Road around the Llanwern Steelworks site in a £13 million scheme.

Contractor BAM Nuttall is currently preparing for its 52 week contract to clear vergesand ducting that will require cones on the inside lanes, the council said.

Works will continue until June when upgrades to the B4245 sliproads will require diversions and night-time road closures.

That is expected to take 11 weeks and be finished by the end of August, Monmouthshire council said.

Meanwhile reconstruction on the single carriageway route from the M4 to the steelworks site should be completed by November.

During the works a 40mph limit will be put in place from junction 23A to Newport Queensway.

The scheme is hoped by the Welsh Government to help ease congestion on the M4 around Newport and boost the economy.

The redevelopment of the Llanwern steelworks site includes proposals for 4,000 homes, known as the Glan Llyn develoment.

St Modwen's plans are likely to take around 20 years to complete and will eventually incluyde a school, shops and leisure facilities.