2014 date for Newtown bypass

Work on Newtown's long-awaited bypass will be completed by 2014, it emerged today. The Welsh Assembly said barring any unforeseen delays work on the bypass would begin in 2013.

Immediate steps will also be taken to resolve the traffic flow along the town's Pool Road, which could result in the roundabout being reinstated.

Campaigners hope the bypass will bring a solution to the bottleneck caused by the A483 through the town. Residents have been calling for a Newtown bypass for more than half a century.

A decision on which route the bypass will take was finally made last year by the Assembly. The favoured orange route got the green light – a line which takes the path of the new road to the south of the town.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said: "There are two major transport issues in Newtown that need to be resolved urgently.

"Firstly there is a desperate need for an immediate improvement in the traffic flows at the McDonald's traffic lights.

"The deputy first minister and I agreed that immediate steps must be taken to improve how the traffic lights operate – and that if not successful, consideration will be given to reinstating the roundabout.

"Secondly, there is the urgent need for a Newtown bypass. I have been reassured that the bypass is on schedule for early completion.

"Unless there are unforeseen delays involving the essential statutory procedures, construction of the bypass will begin in 2013 and be completed in 2014."