PUBLIC consultation has begun on a mooted £700m project to transform a 32-mile stretch of the M4.

The Highways Agency is exploring widening the motorway between Junction 3 for Hayes and Junction 12 for Theale to four lanes in each direction by converting the hard shoulder to a running lane.

New technology will also be installed along the road to help keep traffic flowing and drivers informed of any problems making the road a 'smart motorway’ and emergency refuge areas will be created due to the elimination of the hard shoulder.

Lynne Stinson, Highways Agency project manager, said: “This is the biggest smart motorway project yet and will bring real benefits to drivers and the economy.

“It is a massive job; it will cost around £700m and involve upgrading or replacing 11 overbridges and five underbridges over the motorway. This consultation will set out the how we plan to deliver the improvements and we would invite anyone with an interest in the project to get involved and let us know what they think.”

Overbridges which would be destroyed and replaced under the proposals include Marsh Lane and Lake End Road in Dorney, Monkey Island Lane in Bray, the Huntercombe Spur at Junction 7, Datchet Road in Slough and Riding Court Road in Datchet.

The aims of the scheme are to reduce congestion and support economic growth by adding motorway capacity while also bidding to improve safety.

Work could begin by September 2016 if the proposals are given the green light.

The consultation was launched on Monday (10/11) and will run until Sunday, December 21.

To take part in the consultation, go to www.highways.gov.uk , request a questionnaire by emailing M4J3to12SmartMotorway@highways.gsi.gov.uk or write to M4 J3-12 Smart Motorway Team, Highways Agency, The Cube, 199 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RN.

Consultation events will be held in Holyport, Datchet, Slough, Colnbrook and Iver on dates from Saturday, November 22 to Saturday, December 6, while consultation material will be available at the libraries in Slough, Windsor, Burnham, Cippenham, Datchet and Eton Wick, the Royal Borough council offices in Maidenhead and at the Chalvey Community Centre.

For more information about the dates and times of consultation events and a brochure on the plan, go to www.gov.uk/government/consultations/m4-junction-3-to-12-smart-motorway