The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor – Phase 1A. The committee reviewed the report and heard from officers regarding the proposed improvements, which aim to enhance sustainable travel and the city centre environment.

Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor – Phase 1A

The committee considered the report on the Cardiff to Newport Sustainable Transport Corridor – Phase 1A, which includes public realm improvements on Kingsway. The primary aim of this phase is to progress the enhancement of sustainable travel, connectivity, and the quality of the city centre environment.

Officers Claire Moggridge, Head of Transport, John Mattingly of OM Major Projects, and Phil Belcher, Senior Project Manager, presented the scheme. They explained that Phase 1A is the first deliverable element of a wider corridor linking Cardiff city centre to Newport. The project aims to create a permanent segregated cycleway, upgrade junctions and crossings, and implement bus priority measures. A key element is the removal of the Boulevard de Nantes subway and its replacement with a street-level crossing, alongside closing the upper section of Kingsway to through traffic to create a new public space.

During the discussion, councillors raised several points:

• Modelling and Network Impact: Councillor Kate Carr questioned the trust in the modelling for the scheme's impact on other city areas, including traffic and pedestrian flow. Officers confirmed that the modelling indicated minimal impact on the network, with some localised delays at specific junctions being offset by improvements elsewhere. They also noted that the scheme prioritises pedestrians and cyclists.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Interaction: Councillor Carr also raised concerns about potential conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, particularly regarding cyclist behaviour. Officers explained that lessons learned from previous schemes and feedback from accessibility groups had been incorporated into the design, including improved signal arrangements and the placement of cycle lanes to enhance visibility and safety for all users.
• Road Space Reallocation and Congestion: Councillor Bob Derbyshire inquired about the impact of reallocating road space for motorists. Officers clarified that the scheme involves reallocating existing highway space rather than creating new roads, and that detailed signal design and on-street validation would be crucial to minimise delays. They acknowledged that congestion risks exist during and after construction due to Cardiff's constrained road network and concurrent schemes.
• Integration with Metro and Future Developments: Councillor Derbyshire also asked about the integration with the proposed South Wales Metro and future transport links. Officers confirmed ongoing liaison with Transport for Wales regarding connections to future Metro stations, such as Cardiff East and Parkway stations. The potential impact of planned new buildings, such as the Sainsbury's development near Queen Street station, was also discussed, with assurances that liaison would occur to ensure works are dovetailed.
• Scheme Progression and Funding Criteria: Councillor John Lancaster questioned the criteria for progressing to subsequent phases of the corridor and how success would be measured. Officers explained that funding is secured through the Cardiff Capital Region Corporate Joint Committee over a five-year programme, and each phase must demonstrate benefits to secure ongoing funding. Performance would be monitored against criteria including road casualty reduction and bus journey times, with public perception also considered.
• Construction Timeline and Disruption: Councillor Andrea Gibson asked about the project timeline and potential disruption. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027, timed to avoid major events and to align with other significant construction projects in the city. The construction would commence from the West Grove end to manage congestion and meet funding spend commitments.
• Consultation with Stakeholder Groups: Councillor Gibson also enquired about ongoing consultation with disability groups. Officers confirmed that regular meetings are held with various accessibility and cycling groups, and extensive stakeholder engagement has been undertaken.
• Origin-Destination Modelling and Mode Shift: Councillor Owen Jones, the Chair, asked about the critical tipping point for modal shift, particularly for those living further from the city centre. Officers acknowledged the difficulty in modelling origin-destination for this corridor due to its complexity but confirmed that the scheme aims to encourage modal shift by providing safer and more attractive routes. They also noted that the transport white paper aims to encourage mode shift, and that the scheme's continuous cycle lanes and bus priority measures could serve as an encouragement.
• Maintenance and Future Phases: During a closed session, discussions included the maintenance of the area, with a 12-month defects period for the tendering contractor and liaison with parks departments regarding green spaces. Budgets for ongoing maintenance are expected to be within existing provisions.

The committee resolved to note the information presented and agreed to provide comments and recommendations to the Cabinet. The committee also noted that the next meeting would be held on Thursday 2 July 2026.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Erica Painter, Chief Scrutiny Officer, who was retiring.