By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-03 13:22:24 | Updated at 2026-09-03 13:58:59
1 hour ago
A controversial motorway junction needs urgent repairs just two years after construction was completed, despite it not being connected to any other roads.
The so-called "ghost junction" over the M49 motorway near Bristol was completed in 2020 at a cost of around £40million.
It was designed to link an industrial estate to the motorway, but has remained vacant as the connecting link road has not been finished.
Original estimates from South Gloucestershire Council suggested that the motorway link road would be connected to the junction by "late autumn 2026".
However, these plans could now be in jeopardy after cracks were discovered, further condemning the "ghost junction" to being empty.
Speaking to the Commons, Roads Minister Justin Madders announced that defects on the junction were first spotted in 2021.
He noted that these were first identified during standard inspections of the site and included a loss of topsoil and surface cracking.
National Highways deemed the defects not to be significant enough, resulting in standard operating arrangements being put in place to monitor the situation.
The M49 'ghost junction' needs urgent repairs, despite not opening and costing around £40million
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He added: "This ongoing monitoring identified the need to undertake detailed investigations, which were commissioned in 2025, resulting in the identification of geotechnical issues."
The Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough noted that the investigations allowed for a better understanding of what the issues were.
Mr Madders said they remained ongoing and could only be confirmed "once engagement with the contractor has concluded".
In response, Claire Young, the Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury and Yate, questioned how defects were able to happen just years after it was built.
The M49 'ghost junction' roundabout has never been connected to other roads
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She said: "National Highways has admitted that it's identified defects at the junction, which must be repaired before it can safely open to traffic.
"A junction built by National Highways, completed six years ago and signed off as finished, cannot safely carry traffic until National Highways repairs it. Is the minister as baffled as I am?"
South Gloucestershire Council was originally given planning permission to build the link road in 2023, but has been hamstrung by various issues.
The 160-metre link road required land purchase orders between the M49 junction and Goldcrest Way, with a spokesperson describing the delays as "incredibly frustrating".
Ms Young also warned that other roads were being misused by heavy goods vehicles, including the A403 and B4461.
She added that locals, such as horse riders and families, were finding it difficult to access the roads as a result of the HGVs.
Responding, Mr Madders outlined that the Government has already provided around £10million in support to help develop the site further.
"The Government's approach is clear - National Highways must identify the right engineering solution, agree an appropriate delivery route to protect taxpayers' interests and provide stakeholders with realistic, deliverable timescales," he said.
