MORE THAN 250 people attended a public exhibition in Easter Compton on Thursday showing proposed plans for a new junction on the M49.

The proposed new junction, which would be situated near the village, would look to alleviate traffic from passing through the main road in the town, which is often used to reach nearby industrial sites near Severn Beach.

The event, which was held by Highways England at the village hall, gave residents and businesses a chance to look over plans for three options for the junction, which are part of the Government’s £15 billion road investment programme.

Most in attendance appeared to support the proposals, with discussion aimed more towards the differing benefits from the varying plans.

“I think this junction is definitely needed,” said one unnamed resident from the village.

“We have seen a massive increase in traffic over the years with the industrial developments nearby, and the M49 isn’t being used properly at the moment.

“While we are all for extra jobs, it does cause problems within the village as the main road itself has become a rat run.

“When we moved into the area 20 years ago, it was a very quiet place, but too many large vehicles still use the main road.”

Jo Gorin, another resident from the village, said: “If it can alleviate traffic on the main road, but preserve the lane for bikes, then I think it would be a good thing.

“At present I won’t let my children cross that road on their own because it is so dangerous, but these plans look like they could help.”

David Bennett, Highways England’s project manager for the junction, said: “The event went really well. We have had even more interest from local residents than we could have possibly expected.

“The aim is to get those that live nearby here and let them know what we are thinking.

“We have done our best to answer every question we have been given, but any that we can’t we are taking them away to find a solution.”

A final plan for the junction is expected to have been decided by Autumn, with construction looking to start in 2017.

Additional information can be found on the Highways England project website at www.highways.gov.uk/roads/roads-projects/m49-avonmouth-junction/ which will be updated on a regular basis.