Under the agency’s plans, around 32 miles of the M4 between London and Theale will be turned into a “smart” motorway, using the hard shoulder as a running lane and installing new technology along the road to help keep traffic flowing and drivers informed.

Highways Agency project manager, Lynne Stinson, said: ‘This is the biggest smart motorway project yet and will bring real benefits to drivers and the economy. It is a massive job; it will cost around £700m and involve upgrading or replacing 11 overbridges and 5 underbridges over the motorway. This consultation will set out the how we plan to deliver the improvements and we would invite anyone with an interest in the project to get involved and let us know what they think.’

The first of 11 public information exhibitions will take place at the Madejski Stadium, Reading on Tuesday 18 November, at which members of the public will be able to look at detailed plans for the proposal and also speak to members of the Highways Agency project team.

People can take part in the consultation by completing the questionnaire, which is available alongside the consultation brochure and is also on the Highways Agency’s website.

Alternatively, a questionnaire can be requested free of charge by contacting the project team by emailing [email protected]

People can also write to the Highways Agency at: M4 J3-12 Smart Motorway Team, 
Highways Agency, 
The Cube, 
199 Wharfside Street, 
Birmingham, 
B1 1RN.

The consultation will run until Sunday 21st December.