Written question WQ94279
- Asked by
- Peter FoxConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 2 days
Question
Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on how long the restricted speed limit on the M48 in Chepstow will last?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
The 50mph speed limit on this section of the M48 has been implemented because the road restraint system (RRS) is in a poor condition.
In view of the amount of time needed to commission investigations, surveys and assessments, all of which have to be programmed and funded, the Welsh Government undertook a risk assessment, which identified mitigation measures to minimise the risk to M48 road users until such time as permanent works to upgrade the RRS are implemented.
The risk assessment recommended a mandatory temporary speed limit of 50mph, which will remain in place until works to replace the defective safety barriers are complete. The reduced speed limit has been introduced as a temporary measure to ensure the safety of the travelling public. Once the barriers have been replaced, it is intended for the National Speed Limit to be reinstated.
The design for replacement of the barriers is planned for the M48 in the 2024 / 2025 financial year. The scheme remains a priority for construction within our Capital Safety Fence programme and will be considered as soon as additional funding becomes available.