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CBI Wales seeks reassurance over M4 relief road delivery CBI Wales seeks reassurance over M4 relief road delivery
(about 1 hour later)
The organisation representing Wales' biggest employers is looking for "reassurance" about the delivery of the planned M4 relief road now the minister in charge is stepping down.The organisation representing Wales' biggest employers is looking for "reassurance" about the delivery of the planned M4 relief road now the minister in charge is stepping down.
Edwina Hart approved Welsh government plans for the £1bn project for a new motorway south of Newport in July 2014.Edwina Hart approved Welsh government plans for the £1bn project for a new motorway south of Newport in July 2014.
But on Friday she announced she would not seek re-election at next year's assembly elections.But on Friday she announced she would not seek re-election at next year's assembly elections.
CBI Wales said it was important the "key project" did not lose momentum.CBI Wales said it was important the "key project" did not lose momentum.
Plans for the scheme include 24km (15m) of new motorway and a 2.5km-long (1.5m) viaduct crossing the River Usk.Plans for the scheme include 24km (15m) of new motorway and a 2.5km-long (1.5m) viaduct crossing the River Usk.
A major remodelling of M4 junctions 23 and 29 is also proposed.A major remodelling of M4 junctions 23 and 29 is also proposed.
Opposition parties and several Labour AMs are opposed to the plan and some organisations have raised concerns about the cost of the favoured "black" route and its potential impact on the environment.Opposition parties and several Labour AMs are opposed to the plan and some organisations have raised concerns about the cost of the favoured "black" route and its potential impact on the environment.
A public inquiry looking at the proposals is likely to begin next year.A public inquiry looking at the proposals is likely to begin next year.
Chris Sutton from CBI Wales said the delivery of the M4 relief road was a "number one priority for the Welsh economy" and it was important there was "no loss of momentum or change in direction in delivery of this key project".Chris Sutton from CBI Wales said the delivery of the M4 relief road was a "number one priority for the Welsh economy" and it was important there was "no loss of momentum or change in direction in delivery of this key project".
"We recognise that ministers, and indeed, governments change however the challenge is to quietly 'crack on' in dealing with the long-term issues which form the foundation of future growth," he said."We recognise that ministers, and indeed, governments change however the challenge is to quietly 'crack on' in dealing with the long-term issues which form the foundation of future growth," he said.
"We will seek reassurances from the Welsh government in this regard"."We will seek reassurances from the Welsh government in this regard".
Iestyn Davies of the Federation of Small Businesses said "a £1bn piece of tarmac for around 13 miles" was not a priority for small businesses.
While he agreed the road around Newport was a "bottleneck", he said the money could be better spent elsewhere to support skills or improve transport across Wales.
A Welsh government spokesperson said: "We have announced a preferred route for the project, which we believe is the best solution to transport issues around Newport and is vitally important to the economic prosperity of Wales. Our position on this has not changed."A Welsh government spokesperson said: "We have announced a preferred route for the project, which we believe is the best solution to transport issues around Newport and is vitally important to the economic prosperity of Wales. Our position on this has not changed."
Development work on the road has already begun after three firms were awarded contracts in March.Development work on the road has already begun after three firms were awarded contracts in March.