Changes planned for Newtown bypass scheme
The proposed route of the Newtown bypass is set to be revised, bringing cost savings of around £5 million.
The planned changes will mean there will be an overtaking lane on the entire length of the route, Welsh Government transport minister Edwina Hart said today.
And the amended route will be further away from the Garth Owen housing estate, reducing the impact on residents.
Following a review, the Welsh Government has published a revised preferred route for the road. It includes changes at four locations to avoid a gas main and reduce the amount of earthworks needed.
Mrs Hart said: "These changes to the route will simplify the work required, which will reduce the impact on the environment.
"The bypass will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483 and A489."
Detailed maps of the route, will be available to see at a public information exhibition in Newtown in April and a consultation on the draft orders will be held in the summer.
The Welsh Government says the new route differs from the previous route at four locations.
At the eastern tie in, the route crosses over rather than under the Cambrian Railway line while at the A489 junction a roundabout replaces a grade separated junction and the route has been moved southwards by approximately 60m.
At the A483 junction the alignment has been moved southwards by approximately 250 metres and at the western tie-in, near Glandulas Holiday Park, the route has been moved northwards by approximately 80m.
Work on the long-awaited bypass is on target to start next year, more than 30 years after the idea was first put forward.
The work is due to be completed by 2017 and its initial cost was given as an estimated £56 million.
Motorists currently face daily queues of up to five miles to get into the town along the A483 and A489.
Mid and West Wales Assembly Member William Powell said: "This is brilliant news for Newtown as I know that this will make a real difference to the businesses and residents of the town."
Councillor Joy Jones, from Newtown, said: "I am delighted that this has been confirmed today as many people have been sceptical that the bypass would ever happen.
"This will be a great plus for Newtown.
"There will be a public information meeting in Newtown in April and I want you all to go and take a look."
