PLANS for a new junction on the M49 near Severn Beach are set to go on display ahead of construction this summer.

The new junction, part of the Government’s £15billion road investment programme, will improve road access and provide a much-needed connection into the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area from the motorway network.

The scheme - announced in February 2017 - will also improve access to the enterprise area, create jobs, promote economic growth in this area of Bristol, and reduce the numbers of HGVs and other vehicles on the local road network.

South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol Council and the West of England Partnership are also involved in the enterprise to deliver a two-bridge junction, using the existing bridge at Farm Lane with a second bridge being built immediately adjacent.

The two bridges will be incorporated into a single roundabout that spans the motorway with new access and exit slip roads built on both sides of the junction so that it connects fully with both northbound and southbound traffic.

The new junction will be located in the area to the south of the Western Approach Distribution Park and west of the village of Easter Compton, and construction is due to be completed by December 2019.

Highways England South West regional delivery director Nick Aldworth said: “We recognise the strategic importance of the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area as a key regional employment site and that is why we are helping to unlock economic growth in the area by building this new junction.

“As well as boosting the local economy, the junction will also improve access to the regional road network and relieve traffic on local roads.”

Drop in sessions will be taking place next week to provide the community, businesses and road users with more information on the timescales of the project, traffic management and access arrangements during construction.

The first event will be held at Severn Beach Village Hall on Friday, May 18 from 2pm to 8pm, with the second at Easter Compton Village Hall on Saturday, May 19, from 10am to 4pm.

Mr Aldworth added: “We are currently working towards starting main construction work this summer, and this is an opportunity for local communities to gain more information from members of the project team and our partners.”

For more information on the scheme, visit highways.gov.uk/M49Avonmouth.