Work could start on a new 5.8km bypass of Newtown in central Wales before the end of this year following approval of the scheme by Transport Minister Edwina Hart.

 

Mrs Hart gave the go ahead for the project – which will provide an alternative link between the A483 and A489 – on Thursday after considering the findings of a public enquiry.

 

She said: “This bypass will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483, A489 and local roads within the town.

 

“This project is another example of our investment in the trunk road network to improve access to jobs and services and transport links between North and South Wales and Mid Wales and the West Midlands in England.”

 

The Welsh Government says the new road will enable safe overtaking opportunities in both directions with the provision of a ‘2+1’ carriageway.

 

Mrs Hart has also this week agreed to provide additional funding for a scheme to improve access links to Llanbedr Airfield and the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone.

 

An extra £144,000 of funding is to be provided on top of an existing £344,000 investment by the Welsh Government in the £9M scheme, which is being led by Gwynedd Council. The additional funding means essential design work can be brought forward and completed during the coming year.

 

Mrs Hart described the scheme as “a key economic development project for Gwynedd Council that will improve connectively to not just to the Llanbedr Airfield but also across the wider Enterprise Zone, enhancing the site’s attractiveness for further private sector investment”.

 

(Photo: Google Maps)