Work to repair sinking culvert in Newtown
Work to repair a sinking road culvert, which has caused large tailbacks on the A483 trunk road outside Newtown, is set to start imminently.
The collapsed culvert at the Pennarth bends on the outskirts of the town has caused a traffic headache for commuters for some time.
Temporary traffic lights have been set up at the troublespot while plans have been put in place for the repair.
The Welsh Government said final touches to the works programme were being made.
Spokesman Matthew Pritchard said: "The final design of a scheme to replace a collapsed culvert is nearing completion. A contractor has been engaged and works will commence within two weeks.
"The current works duration is six weeks although innovative solutions which might reduce that period are being considered. "Engineers are also investigating the potential to temporarily return the A483 to two-way running over the peak Easter period although safety concerns may ultimately prevent this."
Montgomeryshire AM Russell George has taken up the road issue with Welsh Government transport minister Edwina Hart.
She told him the condition of the collapsed culvert had further deteriorated recently and protective plates were installed under a total road closure overnight on Saturday.
Mrs Hart added: "To protect road user safety the site will remain under traffic signal control in the short term.
"The expected maximum programme is eight weeks, however, every effort is being made to find acceptable innovative solutions which might reduce the programme by around half."
Mr George said today he welcomed the announcement the work would be done very soon.
He said: "I would hope they would carry out the work avoiding the busy Bank Holiday Easter period."
