The 23km project would provide a relief route for the M4 motorway round Newport. A focal point of the project is the 440m-span cable-stayed bridge.

Usk bridge - M4

In 2017, the Welsh government appointed a joint venture of Costain and Vinci on an early contractor involvement (ECI) basis for the scheme, which had a US$980m projected price-tag at the time. The public inquiry stage has now been completed and the government expects to take a decision shortly on whether to proceed to detailed design and construction.

A ‘prior information notice’ has been issued to gather information to enable ministers to assess market conditions. The feedback received will be used to inform their decision about whether to re-tender the scheme or split it into three packages. Industry will be consulted on the merits of alternative approaches. If the decision is taken to proceed with splitting the contract, the three packages would be a highway section from Magor to the River Usk; the bridge over the Usk; and a highway section from Usk to Castleton.