George: Mid Wales traffic chaos expected during tourist season
A Mid Wales Assembly Member has warned of impending traffic chaos during the tourist season as traffic movements in connection to the construction of the Garreg Lwyd wind farm development take place.
Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire, had sought assurances from the Welsh Government that movements of infrastructure associated with this wind farm development would take place at times of least disruption to residents and outside peak times for visitors to Mid Wales.
However, in spite of previous assurances from the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, that disruption would be kept to a minimum, the Welsh Government’s Department for Transport are planning to allow abnormal loads during late summer, in spite of the moratorium which exists for traffic works during the busy summer months.
The Garreg Lwyd wind farm near the Radnorshire/Montgomeryshire border has prompted concerns over many years about the impact on traffic in and around Newtown.
Mr George said:
“I am deeply concerned by the inevitable traffic chaos that will be caused in Mid Wales as a result of the movement of large turbine components for the Garreg Lwyd wind farm.
“In spite of assurances to the contrary from the First Minister, the Welsh Government is preparing to allow movements of abnormal indivisible loads during late summer. I’m further concerned that police resources will be stretched at this busy time.
“These abnormal loads will travel along the A483, and travel along Pool road, over the Kerry road roundabout, and up Llanidloes road. The abnormal loads will then be required to travel under Nantoer bridge on the A489. This particular bridge is also well known for large vehicles having difficulty passing under and blocking the main trunk road.
“There are serious traffic issues in and around Newtown, which will continue until the Newtown bypass is complete so it is essential that the Welsh Government ensures that heavy infrastructure is not moved during the Mid Wales’ tourist season.
“In my initial letter of objection, well before the Welsh Government approved these applications, I warned of traffic chaos and regrettably they have simply not taken into account the warnings from me and others.
“I’m concerned that the general travelling public, including tourists, should not be disadvantaged more than is necessary and I will continue to press the Welsh Government in an effort to keep disruption to an absolute minimum."