More sequencing work is needed on the J28 project says Costain

The £13.7million project, which started in February 2017, aimed to reduce congestion by adding new features at Pont Ebbw, Junction 28 Tredegar Park and Bassaleg roundabouts in Newport.

New drive through lanes on the roundabouts were at the centre of the project.

The sites, which are used by more than 6,000 vehicles an hour at peak times, have also been fitted with an intelligent traffic management system, which adjusts the sequence of traffic lights according to the levels of use.

Construction work was completed in Mid-September last year.

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But in November, the South Wales Argus reported that Costain, the contractors behind the project, were reviewing the situation after a number of complaints by frustrated drivers.

Costain commented at the time that during the morning peak there was a noticeable build-up of traffic travelling south along the A467 from Rogerstone towards Bassaleg and the M4 J28 interchange at Tredegar Park.

“There are a number of factors which could be causing this but we are working with Siemens on the sequencing of the traffic signals in an attempt to achieve an optimum throughput of traffic 24 hours a day,” said a spokesman.

Now, Costain have confirmed the work was carried out in late December, with “minor adjustments made”.

The contractors are now waiting to assess to adjustments at a time when there are no traffic incidents causing increased congestion.

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A project spokesman added: “Further reviews of the signal sequencing will need to be undertaken, as the traffic levels become more consistent since completion of the scheme and following the Christmas period.

“In addition, the Welsh Government will be conducting post opening project evaluations which will identify if the scheme objectives have been achieved.

“These take place at standard intervals post opening.”