Dear Resident,
I wanted to provide a formal update on progress for the Newtown bypass. Following the Public Inquiry held over the Summer and the Inspector’s Report, the Minister for Economy, Science & Transport, Edwina Hart AM, has today informed me that the Welsh Government will progress its preferred option for the route, and that construction work on the bypass can now begin.
There has been a call for a Newtown bypass for decades and I’m delighted that it will now finally become a reality and that physical construction work will begin in December. The bypass will be hugely important to the economy of towns such as Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth. It is urgently needed to address congestion issues, improve school safety, improve response times of the emergency services and support tourism and the Mid Wales economy.
I have discussed the progress of the project with Alun Griffiths contractors. They have confirmed that construction work on the bypass will now begin in December and that it will take two years to build. The Minister, Edwina Hart AM, has also told me that the bypass will be completed by the end of 2017. I have also discussed the need for Alun Griffiths contractors to use local businesses and they have confirmed that this is their intention. I have asked them to provide me with details of how local businesses can take part in the building work and now that approval has been given, they will be organising an open day in the coming weeks.
As Christmas approaches, you should see work beginning especially around the Penstrowed end of the scheme. Construction boards will be installed along the route with a works depot being sited near to Black Hall, Dolfor Road.
You may be aware that objectors to the original scheme proposed that the proposed route should be changed to include the bypass using the existing road that went through the Mochdre Industrial estate. The Inspector and the Minister did not agree with this proposal and this was also the view I held. However, during the public inquiry over the summer, I asked the Inspector to consider a number of small amendments to the scheme to avoid key sites and reduce disruption to land owners.
The final route which has now been confirmed will begin the Llanidloes side of Glandulas Holiday Park, with a roundabout which will link the bypass with the existing route into town, proceeding along the back of Mochdre Enterprise Park. The bypass will then proceed to another roundabout for the Dolfor road, which will link back into the town. There will be a flyover over the existing Dolfor road and it will then proceed to the right hand side of the town, with another roundabout at the Kerry road junction, which will link both the existing Kerry road and another point of access into the town. It will then proceed behind the Vastre Industrial estate and the Dyffryn Industrial estate with a bridge over the railway line; it will join the existing Pool road passed the Wool Board building (Wool Producers of Wales), with a roundabout which will link with another access point into the town from the Welshpool side.
As you may be aware, I have actively campaigned for the bypass for many years. My campaign will now move into a new phase of ensuring that construction remains on schedule over the next two years and that disruption is kept to a minimum for commuters. I also want to be supportive to land and home owners who are being affected, and do all I can to ensure they are treated with the utmost respect during the construction phase.
I will also increase my focus on ensuring that the Welsh Government promotes Newtown town centre with measures such as correct signage and other means. I have also discussed matters with Powys County Council, as they will become responsible for the current road through the town. There will now be an opportunity for them to make improvements, and indeed receive financial support themselves from the government to carry out works. The council have agreed that a meaningful consultation will take place, and I shall of course make the details of this known in due course.
Finally, I would like to thank the 10,000 people who signed the petition I organised some years ago, and those that have supported the campaign. It was back in Spring 2011 that a full coach of local people travelled with me to the National Assembly for Wales to formally hand in the petition. The need for a Newtown bypass has been debated for decades and I would like to thank the many people who have played a part in progressing this project over the years.
I hope you find this information helpful. I will continue to keep you updated during the construction phase. However, if you would like more information or would like any of the above clarified, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Russell George
Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire