News

Bypass work begins after 40-year wait

WORK on a new Porthmadog bypass finally got under way this week after nearly 40 years of campaigning.

To mark the occasion, dignitaries from Porthmadog and further afield came to a special tree planting ceremony last Friday to mark the start of the road which is meant to ease traffic problems in and around the town.

The chairman of Porthmadog Town Council, Selwyn Griffiths, said: “Finally this day has arrived. We’ve waited a long time for the actual work to begin on this large project, and we’re very glad that the bypass can at last become reality.

“The benefits for Porthmadog as a town and the surrounding areas will be clear in my view, and it will also enhance the town as a tourist destination.”

The new section of the A487 around Porthmadog, Minffordd and Tremadog, will improve journey times, ease congestion and significantly improve environmental conditions within the area.

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones officially marked the start of the work on the new £50 million project, by planting a tree in one of the extensive landscape areas in the project, last Friday, near to Porthmadog Football Club.

Mr Jones added: “The A487 is a vital route for travelling between north and south Wales as well as being a key connection between the towns and villages in the area. This new bypass should help ease congestion and shorten travel times between north and south Wales.”

• Pictured planting the first tree are, from left, Porthmadog councillor Ieuan Roberts; chairman of Gwynedd Council Anne Lloyd Jones; leader of Gwynedd Council Dyfed Edwards; Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones; Tremadog councillor Alwyn Gruffydd; Porthmadog councillor Selwyn Griffiths, and Jones Bros managing director, Huw Jones
• For the full story, see this week's Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News