Efforts to dual 40km of the A465 across the heads of the Welsh valleys reached an important milestone this week with the official opening of an upgraded section from Brynmawr to Tredegar.

Welsh Minister of Economy & Transport Edwina Hart opened the 7.8km route on Monday. The £158M project – delivered by main contractor Carillion – involved upgrading the road from three lanes to a dual carriageway.

This is expected to alleviate current issues of poor visibility, congestion, lack of overtaking and accident hotspots.

Ms Hart said: “The Heads of the Valleys route is vital to our ambitions for the regeneration of the region by reducing journey times and improving access to jobs and services.”

She added: “The A465 is a crucial artery of our transport network and the principal road link between west Wales and the Midlands. The dualling will also improve safety for all road users.”

This latest upgrade is section three of a six section dualling programme between Abergavenny and Hirwaun. The new improvement extends from north of the A465 roundabout at Brynmawr and ties in with the previously improved section four immediately to the west of Nant-y-Bwch junction at Tredegar.

It also includes a 5km surfaced cycleway and a rest area at Garn Lydan with extended parking, tourist information and viewpoints towards the Valleys Regional Park and Brecon Beacons National Park.

Section one in the east has also already been completed and section two – from Gilwern to Brynmawr – is currently being delivered by Costain. Sections five and six in the west are scheduled for completion by 2020.

Photo courtesy of the Welsh Government