We have improved the junction 48 interchange.
Overview
Why we did it
There were issues that needed to be fixed, including lack of active travel facilities, restricted access to and from Tal-y-Coed and safety concerns at the junction.
Junction 48 is the main junction for accessing Llanelli and Pontarddulais. This work was designed to:
- make it easier for people to walk and cycle between Pontarddulais/Hendy and Llangennech/Llanelli
- improve journey times
- improve air quality
- lower noise pollution
The project was designed to work with Carmarthenshire County Council transport routes to link communities.
Construction works were completed in December 2021.
What we have done
We have provided:
- new traffic signals on the M4 westbound off-slip and Tal-y-Coed junctions
- lane management measures on the A4138 southbound
- improvements to all M4 junctions with the A4138
- a combined footpath and cycle track along the A4138 between Hendy and Llangennech
- improved dormice habitats
How we consulted
Due to the pandemic an alternative engagement plan was agreed. A consultation document was hosted on the Welsh Government website. Both documents contained audio files for the partially sighted. A scheme specific email address was provided so that people could email their queries.
We consulted with local elected members in December 2020. We also sent a letter to local residents and businesses informing them of the consultation.
Have the improvements worked?
After construction was completed, we have used traffic surveys and local survey to gather the below information.
Improving the connection from M4 to the A4138
75% of respondents said the scheme had to some extent to have improved the efficiency of the junction for drivers.
Improving the connection from the A4138 to the M4
75% of respondents said the scheme had to some extent to have improved the efficiency of the junction for drivers.
Ensuring slip-road queueing does not extend onto the M4
Queues in both lane 1 and lane 2 of the M4 J48 westbound off-slip now have a smaller average and maximum queue lengths.
Improving peak period journey times on the A4138 from Hendy/M4 to the Talyclun signals
Journey times have not significantly changed.
Improving journey times on the A4138 from Talyclun signals and Hendy/M4
50% of respondents felt there was some reduction in journey time.
Contribute to Carmarthenshire County Council’s Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 Goals
The existing footway was widened to create a shared use path, connecting into the existing Carmarthenshire County Council network.
63% of respondents felt the scheme as had enhanced active travel in the area.
What the changes look like
Image1: Aerial view of the completed scheme, located south of the M4.
Image 2: Aerial view of the completed M4 Junction 48 scheme, which was built with the Eco rich environment in mind.
Image 3: Shows new lighting infrastructure and a more defined road layout. Improving road safety and flow efficiency.
Image 4: Northern view showing the new Shared Use Path adjacent to the A4138.