Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, has said a recent meeting with the Minister for Transport regarding Newtown traffic issues was extremely ‘positive’.
Mr George said he spoke at length with the Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Science, Edwina Hart AM, regarding the progress of the Newtown Bypass, as well as what progress she intends to make in resolving traffic issues in the short-term.
He said Mrs Hart had reconfirmed her commitment to the Bypass project and informed him that the project was on budget and on schedule for construction work to start in early 2015. The Minister also confirmed that the Government was in discussion with local land owners to purchase land near the Kerry road roundabout, which would allow slip roads to be constructed to ease the traffic congestion in the short-term.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“This was an extremely positive meeting with the Minister.
“She has again re-affirmed her commitment to the bypass and informed me that the project is still on budget and on schedule.
“She informed me that the contractors – Alan Griffiths Contractors Ltd – who are working up the detailed design are due to complete that work shortly.
“She also said that the contractors are currently in discussion with landowners and land purchase is due to take place towards the end of next year with construction planned to start early 2015 and it is anticipated that the construction will take 2 years.
“In relation to the short-term solutions to ease the current traffic pinch-points, the Government has approved a proposal at the Kerry road junction which will see a slip road inserted for vehicles approaching from Cambrian Way.
“I’m also aware that the Government is in discussions with the Preem Indian Restaurant in regards to demolishing the building to make way for a further slip road.
“The Minister confirmed that her officials are in discussions with land owners to allow them to purchase appropriate land to improve the Kerry road junction.
“From this meeting I certainly feel more encouraged that we are closer to getting what we deserve in relation to these issues.”
