Sterling work in dangerous and unpleasant conditions by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) staff has allowed the westbound stretch of the M4 motorway to reopen days before the expected date following the fire in Newport’s Brynglas tunnels.
Monmouthshire is the service provider to the South Wales Trunk Road Agency (SWTRA) for all routes in south east Wales and staff from the council were handed control of the clearance operation.
Two council engineers and twelve operatives worked in shifts around the clock to clear debris with only temporary lighting. They also installed a 24 hour contraflow system in the eastbound tunnel, taking care to reduce the risk of further accidents. Although both tunnels are now open and traffic is flowing, there is more work to do. Lighting, signs and cameras need to be repaired or replaced to get the tunnels working normally. A planned programme of repair is in place.
Cllr Bryan Jones, MCC’s cabinet member for County Operations commented:
“Our staff have displayed a high degree of professionalism while working around the clock in disagreeable and dangerous conditions to ensure traffic flows as normal. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for doing such a great job.”
