Ref. 30732-8Six-months of roadworks on the M4 motorway have been announced.

Last month the Highways Agency issued an apology to Evening Advertiser readers after it went back on an earlier statement promising that the main routes around Swindon would be kept clear this summer.

Now the agency, which is responsible for the upkeep of England's motorways and trunk roads, has said a £2 million project to install a new fibre optic cable on the M4 will start next week.

The cable to be laid between junctions 16 and 18 is vital to improving communication for drivers.

Although most of the work will be confined to the hard shoulder, some lane closures will be needed.

Project manager Dave Frampton promised disruption would be kept to the minimum.

He said: "When completed the fibre optic cable will allow the latest generation of traffic monitoring and driver information equipment to be installed along this stretch of the M4.

"The work will be concentrated on one short stretch of the motorway at any given time, starting at Junction 18 near Tormarton and working east towards Swindon."

Mr Frampton said the contractors, Fred Mc-Alpine Capital Projects, have been given clear instructions to work with ecologists to minimise the threat to wildlife.

"Ecologists will be present where special attention to the environment is required during the construction," he said.

The apology was issued by Robin Miller, a spokesman for the Highways Agency.

It followed his announcement that a two-week resurfacing pro-ramme would begin this week on the A419 despite a pledge made earlier this year that travellers could look forward to happy motoring.

An AA spokesman warned motorists can expect problems and advised Swindon people to prepare for jams.

He said: "The M4 is one of the busiest UK motorways and is the main route into the West Country so we could have a few problems.

"People should allow extra time and also carry plenty of water. It can get extremely hot sitting in traffic jams."

l For further information about roadworks, call the Highways Agency information line on 08457 50 40 30. Or visit the website www.highways.gov.uk

Kevin Shoesmith