Plans have been unveiled to create a new £45 million junction on the M49 near Bristol.

As part of a £15 billion investment programme by the Government, Highways England has announced its preferred option for a new road junction at Avonmouth.

Featuring a two-bridge junction design, the proposal uses an existing structure at Farm Lane with a second bridge developed immediately adjacent, improving road access and providing a connection into the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area.

The Farm Lane Two Bridge structure 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 with both northbound and southbound traffic.

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Highways England South West Regional Director, Andrew Page-Dove, 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.

"Over the last few months we have worked hard to identify the best possible design for the junction and we are excited to share our plans with local stakeholders, businesses and the community.

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

The design will now be taken forward and will involve the detailed design of the new layout including drainage requirements, pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian access, as well as environmental improvements.

Subject to relevant approvals, construction is planned to start by the end of 2017.

(LM/JP)