Essential roadworks that have caused major delays on a section of the M4 around Cardiff will come to an end this week, but more work needs to be carried out in January.
The essential work on bridges around junction 32 for Coryton have led to the closure of two lanes in the area since the beginning October and is due to finish on Thursday (December 16).
But more work needs to be carried out after the Christmas break because defects have been found on the bridges and bad weather hampered the work.
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It is not good news for commuters who have faced long delays, with some reporting that nearly an hour has been added to daily journeys.
The works next year are set to take around six weeks.
Traffic Wales explains: "An additional phase of works is required in the new year. This is because of adverse weather and the discovery of defects on the bridge.
"These defects require a greater amount of resource and time to repair. The current contraflow system will still be removed as planned following an overnight closure on December 16.
"Works are due to recommence in January 2022 under lane closures for approximately six weeks. Two lanes in each direction and the slip roads will remain open during daytime works.
"The contraflow system will not be reinstated. A more detailed programme of works will be provided in due course.
"We apologise for the inconvenience and thank the public for their continued patience as we complete these works."
The existing waterproofing on the bridges was installed over 40 years ago and Traffic Wales says that recent inspections have identified that water is leaking through the bridge joints.
"Failure to do this work now will lead to unplanned future interventions which would be more disruptive than these planned works," it says.
There will be overnight closures in the area this week before the roadworks are lifted for the Christmas period. More details are here.
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