George: Today's Opening of Newtown Bypass a "momentous occasion for Newtown and Mid Wales"
The 70 year long wait is finally over as today (14th February) marks the opening of the Newtown Bypass.
Marking what has been described by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, as a "momentous occasion for Newtown and Mid Wales", the official opening of the Newtown Bypass took place earlier today with the Welsh Government Minister for Transport, Ken Skates AM (picture attached), unveiling a plaque at a new lay-by on the new road near the project offices, followed by a cutting of the ribbon just before 1pm, which allowed the first vehicles onto the new bypass.
Following the opening of the Newtown Bypass, Mr George said:
"I was delighted to attend the official opening of the Newtown Bypass today alongside others including the Mayor of Newtown, Cllr Sue Newham and the Welsh Government Minister for Transport, Ken Skates, who cut the ribbon to allow the first vehicles on to the bypass. I thought it was fitting that the people who worked so hard to build the bypass were the first people to drive on it.
"It was over 70 years ago that the need for a bypass was first suggested and I'm so pleased that it has now finally become a reality. It really is a momentous occasion for Newtown and Mid Wales.
"I would like to pay tribute to the many people who have campaigned for a bypass over the past 7 decades, without which we may have still been talking about it today rather than driving on it."
The Bypass, to the south of Newtown, will be approximately 6.5 km long and extends from the A489 Llanidloes Road at Penstrowed to the west of Newtown, to the A483 Pool Road, east of Newtown.
Mr George added:
"Now that it is open, I'm looking forward to using the bypass myself and believe that it has the potential to transform the local economy of not only Newtown but towns across Montgomeryshire. It will serve to resolve local traffic congestion issues, improve school safety and response times of the emergency services, and support tourism and the wider Mid Wales economy.
Cllr. Daniel Rowlands, County Councillor for Newtown Llanllwchaiarn North, said:
"For a major project like this to be completed from start to finish in three years is an amazing feat of engineering. It is an outstanding achievement for all concerned.
"Some work, including landscaping, will continue now that the bypass is open and responsibility for the existing road through Newtown will now become the responsibility of Powys County Council.
"I'm looking forward to driving on the full length of the bypass myself to test it out."
