A SHORT stretch of the M4 motorway around Newport has been closed more 101 times in the last two years, it has been revealed.

The section of M4 between the J23a (Magor) and J28 (Tredegar Park) has long been a source of frustration for tens of thousands of daily commuters, and long delays and frequent accidents have led to a growing wave of support for the so called 'M4 relief road'.

And now new research by the Newport Conservative group has revealed the extent of the problem.

The group submitted a Freedom of Information request (FOI) to the Welsh Government, and found out that the stretch of motorway had been partially closed 100 times from September 8, 2016 to September 8, 2018.

The Welsh Government also confirmed the road had been completely closed once in that period.

Another FOI request from the Newport Conservative Group to Gwent Police showed there were 13 car crashes on the M4 between Junction 23a to Junction 28 between September 8, 2017 and September 8, 2018.

There were also 16 accidents in the same location between September 8, 2016 and September 8, 2017.

Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of the Newport Conservative Group, said: "I fully accept we will always have motorway closures due to accidents and my first thoughts are always with those hurt or injured.

"However, the number of closures must be looked at.

"It is concerning. Every time we have a motorway closure, it has a catastrophic affect on Newport.

"The city is instantly gridlocked and virtually shuts down with roads at a near standstill. This must be having a devastating impact on the local economy.”

Cllr Evans added “A decision on building the M4 Relief Road is due imminently by the Welsh Government.

"We’re renewing our calls for them to build the black route as a matter of urgency.”

In response to Cllr Evan's comments, a spokesman for the Welsh government confirmed that officials have now received the inspectors’ report on the relief road project and are currently in the process of preparing advice for Ministers.