A POSSIBLE route for a by-pass to address the bottleneck on the A48 around Chepstow has been published as part of a cross-border study.

A public consultation which opened last Monday is part of the second stage of a five-step process and is examining a shortlist of options for tackling traffic jams.

The proposed route runs from the Newhouse roundabout junction with the M48, through Thornwell and over the River Wye to meet the A48 near the National Diving Centre at Tidenham.

A 60mph option and a “lower carbon” 40mph alternative are suggested with the road through Thornwell being upgraded to a dual carriageway in the first option and widened for the second.

The road would see a new bridges over the River Wye and over Beachley Road at the bottom of Buttington Hill near Sedbury and cross fields to a new roundabout onto the A48.

There would be a three-arm roundabout at Tidenham and access onto Beachley Road.

The cost of the by-pass has been put at the high end of the £10 million plus bracket and in the first stage of the study in 2018, it was estimated to cost in excess of £100 million.

Other options for addressing traffic problems include upgrading and promoting public transport and making walking and cycling more attractive.

Also among the options is provision of more charging points to encourge the use of “lower emissions” electric vehicle.

The consultation runs until Sunday December 13 and a “virtual” consultation event with more informtion is available by visiting https://virtualengage.arup.com/chepstow-transport-study.

There will also be live “webchats” with Arup staff between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday November 19, and December 3, between 10am and 12pm on Saturday, November 14 and 28, and on Tuesday, December 8 between 5pm and 7pm.

A paper copy of the consultation booklet and feedback survey with a freepost address for returns is available by calling 0117 240 1529.

Monmouthshire County Council and local Senedd member Nick Ramsay are urging residents to take part in the consultations and to share their views on the future of Chepstow’s transport connections, with a study looking at a number of transport options in the local area and wider region.

The current Stage 2 of the Chepstow Transport Study welcomes residents to give their feedback on a shortlist of options, with the aim of helping to select a preferred way forward.

The virtual consultation aims to offer residents a similar experience to that of a face-to-face event and people will be able to ask questions via webchat or telephone.

The Chepstow Transport Study is being run by Monmouthshire County Council in conjunction with strategic partners including the Welsh government, the Welsh Office and the Department of Transport, Highways England, Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucestershire County Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, Councillor Jane Pratt said: “I’m delighted we are able to move into the second stage of the Chepstow Transport Study.

‘‘The public’s input on this important piece of work is absolutely vital to help move forward with the best transport option for Chepstow, Monmouthshire and our neighbouring authorities.

‘‘I encourage residents to take part in the consultation online to make sure you have your say.”

Member of the Welsh Parliament for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, also urged residents to take part in the consultation.

He said: ‘‘I would urge all Chepstow residents and those affected by congestion in and around the town to consider the options under consideration in the hope that a preferred way forward can be found which is widely supported.

“The virtual consultation aims to offer people a similar experience to that of a face-to-face event and people will be able to ask questions via webchat or

telephone.’’