Newtown Bypass work will be on time says minister
Newtown's new m multi-million bypass is on target to be completed on time, a minister has revealed – despite claims that it could be opened earlier than expected.
The Newtown Bypass, which is being built at a cost of more than £80 million, is expected to be finished early next year.
Wales' transport minister, Ken Skates, has said he is delighted with the way the project has gone.
He said: "Good progress has been made on the bypass over recent months and the work programme continues at pace and on schedule.
"The Newtown Bypass is a significant development for the area and a prime example of the Welsh Government’s commitment to investing in Mid Wales.”
The bypass to the south of Newtown will be approximately 6.5km long and extends from the A489 Llanidloes Road near Glandulas Holiday Park to the west of Newtown, to the A483 Pool Road, east of Newtown.
Congestion has been a growing issue faced by the town in recent years.
Many sections of the bypass have already been completed, and last month Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George said that, due to the good weather, the bypass could even be finished by the end of the year.
But transport minister for Mr Skates stopped short of saying a 2018 finish was possible.
However, he has insisted the project is well on track and the construction work is on time.
Mr George made the comments about the potential for an earlier completion date following a running event which was held to open a section of the bypass.
He has said he believed the road could be finished by the end of the year.
“I have been impressed with the progress made and it is certainly taking shape,” he said. “With the warm dry weather over the summer it has allowed the contractors to progress earthworks ahead of schedule. Now the weather has cooled down, landscaping and planting is taking place to allow new plants to establish.
“While completion is planned for the early part of next year, I would like to see a big push to open it early and before the end of the year. I believe this is now possible.”
Almost every structure has been complete along the route.
Clive Williams, a blogger and photographer in the area, has captured images of the new Dolfor bridge – the biggest structure on the route – a number of times, and his latest photographs show the bridge is almost ready to be put to use.
