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M4 junction near Swansea to see new traffic light upgrade

Credit: Swansea Council

Swansea Council is set to replace ageing traffic controls at junction 47 of the M4.

In line with upgrades completed closer to the city centre, the Council is aiming to install CCTV coverage at the popular junction, to enable traffic operators to closely monitor traffic movements across the junction.

The £112,000 upgrade will also feature new energy efficient lighting, real-time traffic monitoring and the installation of bus priority measures to help improve public transport reliability.

Additional works will be completed to add in new Toucan pedestrian crossing which will provide a safe link between two sections of Active Travel walking and cycling infrastructure.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The traffic signals have been in place at junction 47 for many years and are close to becoming obsolete.

“It’s vital we replace all the traffic controls at this busy junction to ensure motorists can move freely through the junction for years to come, as well as saving money on energy costs by using new lighting that costs around a tenth of the existing halogen lights.

“Recently, we have completed a new walking and cycling route between Penllergaer and Gorseinon and this was a vital link to the previously completed route along the A48 towards Morriston. The additional works planned as part of this scheme will ensure crossing facilities are installed to ensure cyclists and pedestrians can cross the junction safely.”

The latest junction upgrade will also follow-on from planned resurfacing works at the location.

Cllr Stevens added: “Highways maintenance teams are currently on site, resurfacing the entire junction as part of our planned maintenance programme.

“This is part of a significant investment in our highway network across Swansea.”

The planned traffic controls replacement scheme is scheduled to start on March 4 with the works planned to be undertaken outside of rush hour and during the night to avoid causing major disruption for motorists.

Cllr Stevens said; “Any time we replace permanent traffic controls, there is a need to introduce temporary traffic lights. Our aim is to complete this work outside of peak traffic times and ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”