Transport Secretary Chris Grayling visited South Gloucestershire and gave his backing to Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall and Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore in their bid to improve the local transport network. Mr Grayling visited the site of the potential M4 Junction 18a and link road connecting the motorway with the A4174 Avon Ring Road in Emersons Green, South Gloucestershire.
Mr Hall and Mr Skidmore have successfully secured the £500,000 of government funding needed to conduct a strategic study into the scheme, which aims to ease congestion, reduce journey times and attract more businesses and highly-skilled jobs to the local area. The study, which is due to be completed by February 2018, will assess the impact of the junction on the local and regional transport network and the project’s value for money.
Mr Grayling said: “Chris and Luke have campaigned long and hard to improve transport links in this area. Today I’ve also been impressed by Tim’s vision to upgrade transport infrastructure across the West of England.Tim is the strong voice for the West of England. As Mayor he would play a key role in improving the local transport network for the benefit of everyone, in line with our Plan for Britain.”