Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has welcomed an update on the A40 barrier works, but remains concerned about the lack of timetable for same works on the M48.

Mr Fox wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales at the start of October to request a firm timetable for the barrier works on both the M48 and A40 to start and be completed, outlining the persistent impact the reduced limit was having on road users.

In the response received from the Cabinet Secretary, they advised the A40 design work is continuing, and work to replace the barriers is anticipated to commence by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the M48, with Welsh Government advising that due to the weight limit on the M48 crossing, they are reconsidering their timetable for the replacement works. The Cabinet Secretary further commented the scheme will continue to develop in this financial year, before liaising with National Highways to ensure the works begin as soon as possible.

The Monmouth MS has been vocal for the works to begin at both sites as quickly as possible, and has consistently raised the issue in the Senedd, and will continue to do so.

Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has said: “I am pleased we finally have some idea of when the works on the A40 in between Raglan and Abergavenny, although it will be 30 months since the restrictions came in.

“I just hope the works will cause minimal disruption, and will be completed as quickly as possible.

“Unfortunately though for my residents in Chepstow, they continue to be kept in the dark on a start date, and are plagued each day with congestion and other issues.

“I will continue liaising with National Highways and Welsh Government, to ensure these works begin as quickly as possible, and to also make progress on the wider problems seen in the area.”