The Newport Labour administration has confirmed its backing for the elimination of the Old Green roundabout, according to documentation released by the council in January.
Councillor Rhian Howells serves as the cabinet member responsible for assets and infrastructure at Newport City Council.
She represents the Tredegar Park and Marshfield Ward, which encompasses the Duffryn area, as a member of the Labour party.
In a formal statement outlining the council’s stance, Councillor Howells explained that the proposals for the Old Green junction form a component of the broader Burns package designed to alleviate congestion on the M4 motorway.
She noted that the Welsh Government has committed substantial funding for the implementation of Burns schemes, with the original commission report indicating that their delivery would address the traffic issues affecting Newport and the surrounding area.
The statement emphasised that achieving the full benefits of the Old Green proposals depends entirely on the complete delivery of all measures contained within the Burns package.
The council continues to advocate for this comprehensive approach at both regional and Welsh Government levels.
When the initial proposals were presented in 2023, the then council leader Councillor Jane Mudd voiced her endorsement.
She indicated that creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Newport represented a key priority for the authority.
The improvement of public transport accessibility and options for active travel were identified as central to this vision.
Councillor Mudd added that the plans had been developed collaboratively with partner organisations, with the aim of reducing reliance on private vehicles while delivering meaningful transformation for the city.
Opposition councillor Ray Mogford, representing the Conservative group, has demanded clarification on several matters.
He pointed out that the current chief executive officer of Newport Council, Beverly Owen, participated in the Burns Commission as one of eight commissioners.
Councillor Mogford noted that Ms Owen served as the designated representative for local authorities, despite maintaining political neutrality.
He has questioned whether Ms Owen adequately represented Newport residents during the commission’s deliberations, what communication occurred between her and the former council leader Councillor Mudd, and whether any objections or reservations were formally registered regarding the removal of the Old Green roundabout.
The debate over the Old Green junction is expected to persist.
Local residents will have the opportunity to express their views when local council elections take place next May.