THE £135 million Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass has finally been given the go-ahead by the Welsh Government.

The announcement by First Minister Carwyn Jones is the culmination of several years of delays, that will now see work start on the six-mile route as soon as November.

It will be built from the Goat roundabout on the A499/A487 junction to the Plas Menai roundabout, meaning motorists can avoid Llanwnda, Dinas, Bontnewydd and Caernarfon.

It will be made up of three sections separated by new roundabouts at Meifod and Cibyn.

The work is expected to take three years and should be completed by the spring of 2021. It is also expected to create hundreds of jobs.

Mr Jones said: “The bypass will not only help connect communities in the area through sustainable and resilient infrastructure, but also provide a vital link to the A55 and beyond to Ireland, England and Europe.

“It also presents a big opportunity for local employment, workforce training and apprenticeships, especially during the construction phase.”

Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, added: “This is a major scheme and one which will bring many benefits to the area.

“It will be a real boost to the region and foster conditions for sustainable economic development and employment opportunities.

“The bypass will help remove traff­ic congestion, improve air quality and reduce noise emissions in Caernarfon, Bontnewydd and the surrounding villages, resulting in healthier communities and environments.

“It will also provide improved links to tourist destinations in the Llyn Peninsula and Snowdonia as well as great opportunities for active travel within and around Caernarfon by linking with surrounding communities.”

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