First test for Olympics lanes as newly repaired M4 reopens

 
All open: The M4 motorway's Olympics lane comes into operation today. Picture: GLENN COPUS ©
16 July 2012

The first of the Olympics Games Lanes opened today on the M4 after repairs.

There were fears work on the damaged flyover near junction 2 of the motorway in west London would not be completed in time for the Olympic traffic-only lane to be used.

But work was completed so the affected stretch could be opened last Friday.

The first Games Lane is at the site of the previous M4 bus lane which operated for 3.5 miles between junctions 3 and 2 on the London-bound carriageway.

The M4 lane, which will be in operation between 5am and 10pm, is being introduced early to cope with the beginning of the big rush of Olympic arrivals starting today at nearby Heathrow airport.

The London 2012 Athletes' Village, in Stratford, east London, also opens today with GB athletes competing in diving, equestrian, football, shooting and swimming expected to be the first to enter.

The M4 is part of the Olympic Route Network (ORN) and provides an important access route for members of the Games Family including athletes, their officials and equipment arriving at Heathrow for their journey to the Olympic Village.

Around 80% of Games Family arrivals are expected to pass through this way.

Within the ORN are 30 miles of Games Lanes which will become operational on July 25 - two days before the Olympic opening ceremony.

The Games Lanes will be clearly marked and will operate alongside existing traffic. All road users will be able to go into the lanes when they are not in use overnight.

Those who stray into operational Games Lanes face a penalty charge of £130, while illegally parked vehicles will be removed to a pound and may incur a release fee of £200.

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