M4 road works complete ahead of schedule

Date: 15/3/2010

Road works on the M4 have been completed one week ahead of schedule and £0.5 million under budget, the Highways Agency has stated.

A total of 4.3 miles of steel central reservation barrier was replaced with a safer concrete junction between junction 18 and 19 on the motorway.

The construction budget had been set at £5.6 million.

The early completion was put down to careful planning and good weather, with the work finishing yesterday (March 14th) instead of March 23rd.

While the work was taking place, three lanes remained open in each direction and the speed limit was reduced to 50 mph.

Highways Agency project sponsor Dave Frampton commented: "The new barrier is designed to improve safety by reducing the risk of cross-overs. It will also require less maintenance."

Speed cameras were used to ensure motorists abided by the new speed limit.
Work started on January 2nd this year.

Meanwhile, the Department for Transport has stated utility companies could be fined up to £25,000 a day for letting road works run over deadline.