Improvements to the M4 around Newport and the restart of development work for a third Menai crossing have been announced by the Welsh Government as part of plans for two major transport bottlenecks.

The island of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is connected to mainland Wales by two historic bridges.  The issues with the Menai Strait crossings involve long-term structural repair delays on the historic Menai Suspension Bridge and severe traffic bottlenecks on the A55 Britannia Bridge.

For the M4 around Newport, the Government has announced an 18-month study into road-based options, after which it will select a preferred solution.

A separate five-year programme will focus on road maintenance, junction and motorway-management improvements, freight resilience and public-transport measures, including progress on Cardiff Parkway and Magor and Undy stations.

The Welsh Government said their would be an “Immediate recommencement” of development work for a third Menai crossing - connecting Anglesey to mainland Wales - including design work, environmental assessment, business case development and statutory approvals.

It will also invest in maintaining the existing crossings and make changes to Britannia Bridge, such as wind deflectors and variable speed limits. A tidal-flow system will not proceed due to safety and operational concerns.

Deputy minister for transport, Mark Hooper, said: “People want action, not endless discussion. They want reliable journeys, less disruption and confidence that government is getting on with improving things and making a difference to people’s lives. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

He said people on Anglesey and across the north of Wales had “waited a long time” for greater certainty about the future of the crossing.