FIRST minister Carwyn Jones has refused to comment on whether the Welsh Government still plans to declassify part of the M4 as a motorway if the planned relief road gets the go-ahead.

The black route, which is the Welsh Government’s preferred option for the relief road scheme, would involve a new stretch of motorway between junction 23A at Magor to junction 29 at Castleton, bypassing the Brynglas Tunnels.

If the route gets the go-ahead the existing stretch of the M4 between the two junctions would be declassified from a motorway to a trunk road once the new road is finished.

A public inquiry into the project is currently underway, and speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday, April 4, Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay asked if this remained part of the black route proposal.

The Conservative AM said: “The Welsh Government’s original published proposals for the M4 black route also included de-motorwaying the existing stretch of motorway between Magor and Castleton, with the possible creation of cycle lanes, bus lanes and speed restrictions.

“Is this still the Welsh Government’s intention and is this being considered by the public inquiry, given that de-motorwaying could itself have a negative impact on journey times for many of my constituents, many of whom would still continue to rely on the existing piece of road, regardless of whether or not the black route is chosen?”

But Mr Jones replied, with the public inquiry currently ongoing “it wouldn’t be wise” to comment.

“However, the Welsh Government’s evidence is of course public and open to examination,” he said.

“It’s hugely important that the inquiry is able to consider all evidence before making a recommendation.”

If the black route is given the go-ahead following the inquiry, it is predicted the new stretch of motorway could be complete by 2021.