Bypass build start is still on track for Newtown
Work on a bypass that could "save" a Mid Wales town is still on track, government officials have confirmed.
Councillors and politicians in Newtown had reported hearing rumours the town's long-awaited bypass could be delayed by a cash flow problem.
But the Welsh Assembly today confirmed work on the 3.5 mile bypass will begin in 2015, subject to statutory process being complete and the money – believed to be more than £5 million – being available.
For the last 40 years, residents have been calling for a bypass to be built. Traffic problems over the last five to 10 years have highlighted the issue. Motorists are regularly faced with slow moving queues up to five miles long to get into the town from both directions along the A483 and A489.
Edwina Hart, Welsh Assembly transport minister, confirmed in a statement to Montgomery-shire AM Russell George: "Construction of the bypass is programmed to commence in early 2015 subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory process and availability of finance.
"The final cost for the scheme is yet to be finalised. I will make further statements about this project in due course."
Earlier this year, Mrs Hart appointed Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd of Abergavenny, South Wales, to the project, which will see the new road built to the south of the town.
She said she will now work with the contractors through the design and development stage on to statutory process and then construction.
She said: "This very important project will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483 and A489.
"The contract will also include further transport improvements for the town including footway improvements and provisions of cycle ways. Once the bypass is completed, further improvements to the traffic flow through the town will be made.
Earlier this month rumours were circulating in the town that the bypass was set to be delayed by a year.
Councillor Joy Jones, county councillor for the town, said: "It is a great relief that Mrs Hart has confirmed the bypass will be going ahead in 2015 and not 2016. The bypass could be a saving grace to the town centre because with the traffic queues at the moment people are being put off coming here.
"Tourism is reduced and businesses are struggling as a result and the new bypass will hopefully play a part in helping us out."
If work on the project starts on time, the road could be open by late 2016/early 2017.
