M49 'ghost junction' which has not been used for three years could finally open
Construction on the project finished in 2020 - but it remains unconnected to the local road network.
An infamous motorway "ghost junction" could finally be connected to the road network - three years after being completed.
National Highways spent between £40million to £50million to build the M49 junction between Severn Beach and Chittering near Bristol.
The new junction, which was completed in 2020, would have provided access to nearby Severnside industrial estates and Amazon, Lidl and Tesco distribution centres.
However, BristolLive reports that there is still no access route and the junction has still not been used by a single vehicle.
The situation may be set to change however as plans were submitted earlier this year to finally link the junction with the road network at a nearby business park.
Read More The UK's best motorway service station where 'every customer leaves happy' [LATEST]
A decision on the scheme is set to be made later this year, with South Gloucestershire Council saying it is committed to getting the junction linked up - with £7m of funding secured from the Department for Transport earlier this year.
A council spokesperson said they hoped work would start next year, once planning permission had been granted and they had secured some currently privately owned land for the project.
They added: "We are working with the Department for Transport and National Highways on the design and construction, and earlier this year we submitted a planning application for the new link road.
"The project team has continued to work on the comments received through the planning process and further developed the scheme. It is anticipated that the planning process will be completed this year.
Don't miss...
The UK’s most hated motorway unveiled with almost half saying same route [LATEST]
Disappointed staff at UK's worst services insist 'we try our best' [LATEST]
Most drivers don't know they need to change satnav settings every few months [LATEST]
"In February, the council’s cabinet agreed progression of Compulsory Purchase Order processes. However, we continue to work proactively with landowners through positive negotiations to secure the land needed to build the link road.
“This is a complex project, and we are working closely with stakeholders to progress the new link road as quickly as possible.
"At present construction is due to start next year, but this is dependent on the planning process and securing the privately owned land. Construction is expected to last approximately 12 months."