WORK has begun on a £65.5m construction project that will improve travel into Caernarfon from Meirionnydd and Dwyfor.

The Bontnewydd bypass will be a 9.8km stretch of road that will run from the Goat roundabout on the A499/A487 junction to the Plas Menai roundabout around Llanwnda, Bontnewydd and Caernarfon.

Wales’ economy and transport minister Ken Skates, visited the site this week to cut the first sod on the project.

There are 18 structures to be built, including seven bridges (including a crossing over the Welsh Highland Railway, a 280-metre bridge over the River Gwyrfai and a 300-metre bridge over the River Seiont) and 11 culverts.

Mr Skates said: “The Welsh Government is investing £135m in the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass, which will deliver a real step change in how people travel. This means journeys for motorists will be quicker and more reliable and traffic congestion on local routes will reduced leading to improved active travel opportunities on which we are working with Sustrans and Gwynedd Council.

“This scheme can have a real positive impact on the area, both in the construction phase by providing local employment and training opportunities and after completion through improved connectivity for communities and better air quality.

“Alongside our plans for a third Menai crossing, the Abergwyngregyn to Tai’r Meibion Improvement scheme and proposals to remove the roundabouts at Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr on the A55, the construction of the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass is another fantastic example of how we, as a government, are investing significantly in delivering for the region.”

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