PLANS have emerged that could see a third lane added to the A40 Wye Bridge junction in Monmouth.

In proposals that could see numerous improvements to the junction, a third left turn lane would be constructed on the A40 in an effort to reduce congestion and air pollution on the busy route.

A council spokesperson said: “Monmouthshire County Council, in partnership with Welsh Government, has commissioned consulting engineers to develop an improvement scheme at the A40/ A466 Wye Bridge junction Monmouth.

“The main features are the provision of a third traffic lane on the immediate approach to the signals from Dixton Roundabout, which will be dedicated for traffic turning left onto Wye Bridge, and improved approaches to the pedestrian underpass.”

However, the plans are not without opposition. The A40 Group in particular, would propose an alternative to the A40’s route altogether.

The criticism comes after plans were rejected in February last year to widen the Wye Bridge to allow an increased weight limit.

According to their recently published criticism of the plans, the A40 Group suggests that: “There is no convincing evidence that the proposed works would improve traffic capacity at the junction significantly,” and suggest that the cost of the work would be better spent in planning a Monmouth bypass.

Andy Smith, a spokesman for the group, said: “MCC and the Welsh Government’s attitude to Wye Bridge has been frankly ridiculous, and a lot of money has already been wasted paying for detailed plans to destroy a Grade II listed monument by putting a concrete platform on top to take more traffic.

“That’s not to mention taking our last bit of river bank for a third lane approaching the bridge on the A40. All of which increase pollution in what is already a real hotspot by the lights.

“The fact is that the A40 is linking two motorways and so carrying motorway traffic plus local traffic because the road that was there previously was the way to get around inside the town.

“It cannot be made a motorway so must be replaced by a road following the route originally planned – which could be a real motorway and so reduce congestion on access to Wales in the South.”

Brian Ramsey, chairman of the group said: “(MCC) are fully aware of our objections to widening of the carriageway, with the pollution problems that will arise from a third lane of standing traffic at the lights.”

Meanwhile, Monmouth Assembly Member Nick Ramsay recently welcomed news that the Welsh Government are working with MCC to develop measures to help improve the operation at the Wye Bridge junction.

Mr Ramsay wrote to the Welsh Government’s Transport Minister, Edwina Hart AM due to problems with the lights on the A40 at Wye Bridge.

“It appears that sometimes one of the overhead light gantries has no lights working while sometimes it is just a stop or go light that is out of action. The problem is apparent going north or south and there are fears that this could cause an accident,” he said.

“Another problem is that since last year the large sign south of the lights which directs people to the south of the town and the main car park (as well as Trellech) has been in pieces in the hedge. Tradespeople are understandably concerned that businesses could be losing trade if south bound travellers don’t know where to turn off for Monmouth.

“I am pleased that the Minister is aware of the intermittent traffic signal faults at Wye Bridge and that her officials are working with the County Council towards finding a permanent solution. She has also stated that the damaged sign and posts will be replaced in due course.

“I will continue to monitor the situation and hope it won’t be too long before improvements are carried out at this busy junction.”