£56m bypass 'vital to ease congestion' between Shropshire and Mid Wales

The Welsh Government wants to build a £56 million bypass in Newtown, which it says will ease bottlenecks which have affected the town since the 1970s.

The bypass is subject to a three-week public inquiry which opened yesterday with a speech by Graham Walters, an advocate on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Mr Walters told the hearing that the new bypass would ease congestion and improve health and safety for people in the town centre.

He said: "The A483 link from Shropshire is the main route for journeys in and out of the region. Improvements are vital to this connection.

"Powys County Council supports the plans. Newtown is a pinch point on the main route. The junction of the A483 and the A489 in the town is a regular cause of traffic congestion.

"There is regular evidence that hold-ups are harming the economy of Newtown."

Mr Walters added that the bypass would improve journey times for users and it would also provide large sections where safe overtaking is possible.

"It is important for improving journey time consistency. It will also aim to create a reduction of accidents in Newtown. It is a priority to reduce accidents by 25 per cent by 2018.

"Along the 5.8km (3.6-mile) bypass, there would be above standard overtaking areas. There would be 36 per cent westbound and 40 per cent eastbound."

Mr Walters said the road has been long campaigned for in the town.

"It has been spoken about since the days of the 1960s and 70s. Indeed as long ago as 1973 there was a proposed route.

"In 2000 a study was commissioned which identified Newtown as a major cause of delay. In 2010 there was a survey which showed 91 per cent in favour of the bypass.

"The Welsh Government is proposing that the road should get the go-ahead because the existing road is congested and the scheme offers clear benefits for the community.

"It meets all statutory requirements and it complies with environmental concerns."

Next week, the inquiry will hear supporting evidence from Newtown town councillor Gemma Bowker and county councillors Bob Mills and Joy Jones, along with Montgomeryshire AM Russell George.

It will also receive objections from a number of residents.

Work on the bypass is still due to start later this year on the basis it is given the go-ahead following the inquiry, which is being heard at the town's Elephant & Castle Hotel, by planning inspector William Wadrup.

It could be open to motorists by late 2017.