The project involves creating two bridges incorporated into a single roundabout spanning the motorway with new access and exit slip roads connecting fully with both northbound and southbound traffic.
Highways England is working with partners, including South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, on the scheme which involves using the existing bridge at Farm Lane with a second bridge being built immediately next to it.
Overall, the new junction will improve road access and provide a much-needed connection into the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area from the motorway network. In addition, the scheme is estimated to help create 14,000 jobs in the area as well as reducing the numbers of HGVs and other vehicles on the local road network.
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Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Highways England's South West Regional Delivery Director Nick Aldworth said: "We're delighted to be breaking ground on this strategically and economically important scheme for the South West and Bristol area.
"Every £1 invested in this scheme will bring more than £30 into the local economy, generating more than 14,000 jobs in the long term."
Duncan Elliott, Managing Director of Galliford Try's Highways business, said: "We're delighted to get cracking on a much-needed scheme that will bring far-reaching benefits. We have considerable experience of motorway work from our participation in the Smart motorways programme and will bring this to bear on the Avonmouth junction scheme. We will keep any disruption to a minimum and keep road users updated about progress."
The new M49 junction project is the first Road Investment Strategy scheme to start construction in the South West, one of six multi-million pound road schemes aimed at boosting the economy, tourism and heritage in the region.
Image: (L - R) Colin Bird, Highways England Programme Leader, Peter Mumford, Highways England Executive Director and Jack Lopresti MP.
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