TRANSPORT Minister Edwina Hart has announced that construction work on the £53m Newtown bypass, which will benefit people travelling to and from Aberystwyth, Machynlleth and Llanidloes, will start on Monday, 7 March.

The contract for the detailed design, construction and environmental aftercare has been awarded to Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd (AGC).

The 6.5km bypass will follow a west to east route to the south of Newtown.

The proposed carriageways will allow safe overtaking opportunities in both directions with the provision of a 2+1 carriageway.

Mrs Hart said: “This bypass will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483, A489 and local roads within the town. In addition to creating up to 90 jobs and new apprenticeships during the construction phase this project will also provide an important long-term economic boost to the region.

As a pro-business government we recognise the importance of investing in our trunk road network to improve access to employment sites and reduce journey times. This section of road provides important transport links between north and south Wales and mid Wales and the west midlands in England.”

The bypass will begin at a new roundabout on the A489 Llanidloes Road west of Newtown and end at a roundabout on the A483 Pool Road east of Newtown.

Russell George AM said:“I’m delighted that physical construction work on the Newtown bypass will begin on 7 March.

“I’m grateful to the Minister, Edwina Hart AM, who has kept me updated on progress.

“I’m aware that there are plenty of people who don’t believe the bypass is going to happen until they see construction work begin. People will see plenty of activity at the Llanidloes side of Glandulas Holiday Park in just a couple of weeks, with further activity near to Black Hall, Dolfor Road.

“There has been a call for a Newtown bypass for decades and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in progressing this project.”

Glyn Davies MP added: “The bypass will be hugely important to the economy of towns such as Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth. It is urgently needed to address congestion issues and improve safety. I’m delighted that work will begin over the next few weeks.”