M49 Avonmouth junction

[A9NWIL]

So those east-facing slips on the M4 junction will finally get a use other than enabling PM hunting.

I think that route gets more traffic than you might imagine for M5 through traffic dodging queues between J16 and 17

Yes, many a time I've used them after intending to use the M5 between Avonmouth and Junction 16, only to see static traffic northbound on the M5. Making the quick decision to then divert via the M49 to join the M4 back to Almondsbury and then round to the M5 (southbound) Junction 16. When I've done that, there were many others also taking that route as a bypass of the holdup.

In that case whats the bet, that when a junction on the M49 withe the A403 opens, that this will be used as a rat run?

[Isleworth1961]

I think that route gets more traffic than you might imagine for M5 through traffic dodging queues between J16 and 17

Yes, many a time I've used them after intending to use the M5 between Avonmouth and Junction 16, only to see static traffic northbound on the M5. Making the quick decision to then divert via the M49 to join the M4 back to Almondsbury and then round to the M5 (southbound) Junction 16. When I've done that, there were many others also taking that route as a bypass of the holdup.

In that case whats the bet, that when a junction on the M49 withe the A403 opens, that this will be used as a rat run?

Not local? If you were, you'd know that Over Lane already IS used as a rat run, and has been for decades. Usually just to bypass J17 to J16 heading north, and then people cause a tailback trying to turn right onto the A38 (I turn left here...)

[A9NWIL]

Yes, many a time I've used them after intending to use the M5 between Avonmouth and Junction 16, only to see static traffic northbound on the M5. Making the quick decision to then divert via the M49 to join the M4 back to Almondsbury and then round to the M5 (southbound) Junction 16. When I've done that, there were many others also taking that route as a bypass of the holdup.

In that case whats the bet, that when a junction on the M49 withe the A403 opens, that this will be used as a rat run?

Not local? If you were, you'd know that Over Lane already IS used as a rat run, and has been for decades. Usually just to bypass J17 to J16 heading north, and then people cause a tailback trying to turn right onto the A38 (I turn left here...)

OK then it would just get worse with the A403 having a junction with the M49, they need to solve the M5 J16-J17 issue then

[wrinkly]

Orders confirmed:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/2913498

[jackal]

Preparatory work is now underway. This all seems to have gone through rather briskly, which makes a change.

http://roads.highways.gov.uk/projects/m ... -junction/

[RichardA35]

Contractor named although the feeling is they have the two digits of the price the wrong way round and it is really a £40M+ job.

[gepree68]

Do we know what number will be given to the road that will connect A403 to M49?

The signs at the two green blobs on this picture:

both show A403 as the number of the road, whereas they should presumably say (A403).

When the road connects with M49 should it be given its own number?

If at M49 junction 1 it just says "M49 straight on, A403 up the slip road", it must be a couple of miles until you actually get to A403.

[ajuk]

Why is it not a junction with the A403?

[Octaviadriver]

I last went along the M49 last Sunday and noticed there is some development next to the motorway and a new Amazon distribution warehouse that I don't recall seeing before (but I could be wrong). I'd guess this is in anticipation of the new junction improving access to the motorway system.

[gepree68]

Why is it not a junction with the A403?

Do you mean that, when M49 J1 opens, they should downgrade (to a B road) the section of A403 from Western Approach Distribution Park to its southern end at A4/A403 in Avonmouth?

It sounds a good idea, because the quickest route from Aust (M48 J1) to Avonmouth (M5 J18/18A) will definitely be via M49, not on the whole 40/50mph A403.

[ajuk]

I also think with the abolition of bridge tolls it might be a good idea to extend the A403 to Falfield.

[Isleworth1961]

I also think with the abolition of bridge tolls it might be a good idea to extend the A403 to Falfield.

Why, and via what route? Or do you mean a completely new road?

[ajuk]

Yes, or a bit of new road and some upgrades, means that traffic that would once have gone round from Gloucester, Stroud ETC would be incentivised to use the old bridge which would take some traffic off the new bridge.

[Isleworth1961]

Yes, or a bit of new road and some upgrades, means that traffic that would once have gone round from Gloucester, Stroud ETC would be incentivised to use the old bridge which would take some traffic off the new bridge.

So they can just use the M48/M4/M5 between Aust and Falfield as they do now. These motorways seem to cope with the current traffic without the need to build yet another hugely expensive (and inevitably controversial) link which serves no other purpose than creating a bit of a shortcut link from one motorway junction to another motorway junction through mostly open country. Yes, the abolition of the tolls will increase the traffic over the bridges, and probably decrease it via Gloucester. What route, and what 'upgrades' did you have in mind?

[ajuk]

Yes, or a bit of new road and some upgrades, means that traffic that would once have gone round from Gloucester, Stroud ETC would be incentivised to use the old bridge which would take some traffic off the new bridge.

What route, and what 'upgrades' did you have in mind?

Just a standard S2 road with maybe a few sections of S2+1.

[Isleworth1961]

Yes, or a bit of new road and some upgrades, means that traffic that would once have gone round from Gloucester, Stroud ETC would be incentivised to use the old bridge which would take some traffic off the new bridge.

What route, and what 'upgrades' did you have in mind?

Just a standard S2 road with maybe a few sections of S2+1.

Well, if it's a new road, then that simply won't happen!

[ajuk]

Why, do they not build new roads that are S2 anymore?

[Isleworth1961]

Why, do they not build new roads that are S2 anymore?

There's no need for a new road such as the one you are proposing, that's what.

[AAndy]

Works just starting & with night-time closures.
Looks like south wales is loosing out big time with gigantic complexes at Avonmouth (in anticipation of toll free travel?).

1. Southbound. New massive Amazon Distribution centre shot up in no time at all.
site of new gsj m49 sm by Dskies, on Flickr

2. Amazon
m49 amazon distribution centre july 2018 b by Dskies, on Flickr

3. M49 road closure
aa van m49 road closed workmen on the motorway by Dskies, on Flickr

[ANiceEnglishman]

Thanks for the photos AAndy.

There is an Amazon distribution centre in Newport. I haven't heard anything about it closing in favour of the new Avonmouth one.