Newtown bypass 'will aid tourism and traders'

The Welsh Assembly has confirmed work will begin this year on the £56m bypass after a public inquiry.

Supporters of the bypass say they hope it will bring to an end the daily bottlenecks which have blighted the region since the late 1970s.

The 3.6 mile (5.8km) bypass will follow a west to east route to the south of the town.

The proposed carriageways will allow safe overtaking opportunities in both directions, Mrs Hart said.

She added: "I have considered the findings of the public inquiry and have decided that this scheme may proceed.

"This bypass will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483, A489 and local roads within the town.

"This project is another example of our investment in the trunk road network to improve access to jobs and services and transport links between North and South Wales and Mid Wales and the West Midlands in England."

Montgomeryshire AM Russell George, who had led the campaign and handed in a 10,000 signature petition to the Welsh Assembly four years ago, said he is delighted.

He added: "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.

"In my discussions with Alun Griffiths contractors, they have confirmed that construction work on the bypass will begin in December and that it will take two years to build.

"The minister, Edwina Hart AM, has also told me 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."

He added: "As Christmas approaches, people 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.

"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 consultation phase."

MP Glyn Davies added: "This is great news for Newtown and Montgomeryshire.

"Newtown is situated on the very important north to south and east to west corridors of the A483 and A489 so this bypass will be of vital strategic importance."

During the public inquiry, Mr George also asked the Inspector to consider a number of amendments to the scheme to avoid key sites and reduce disruption to land owners.