THE FIRM behind works to improve the flow of traffic at three busy roundabouts in Newport is to conduct a fresh study into congestion in the area.

Welsh Government economy and transport minister Ken Skates made the announcement in a letter to AMs.

Previous studies carried out by contractor Costain aimed at tackling tailbacks on the A476 during morning rush hour following the £13.7 million revamp of Bassaleg Roundabout, M4 Junction 28, and the Pont Ebbw roundabout “had not addressed the issue”, said Mr Skates, and the company is planning on carrying out a new study next month.

South Wales Argus:

“Once analysed this traffic data will give the designers a greater understanding of the traffic flows, congestion and actual driver manoeuvres to inform any adjustment to the traffic signals and/or road layout arrangements,” he added.

“We are very appreciative of people’s patience whilst this work is on-going.”

He also confirmed that traffic chaos at the junction 28 roundabout last week was caused by a problem with the software controlling the traffic lights.

He added: “It has been confirmed that the problems occurred due to a software problem with the signal sequencing at the Bassaleg interchange.

“During normal operation at quiet traffic times, the system moves into what is called remission mode to clear unwanted data.

“It should then return to the normal operating mode.

“However, on this occasion the system became locked into the remission mode.

“Siemens corrected the fault by 1pm that day and it has been referred to the engineering team to review the problem. In the meantime, Siemens will remain available and ready to respond to any further incidents.”

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Drivers faced long delays during the morning of Tuesday February 12, with tailbacks of up to four miles.

Contractor Costain, which has been carrying out the revamp of the busy junction, previously said the issues were caused by a problem with the traffic lights.

Costain has apologised for the problems.