More Money For Transport Pinch Points Across Wales
Wales’ transport system got an early new year boost today, with Economy Secretary Ken Skates announcing a further £15 million to relieve transport pinch points across the country.
This substantial funding forms part of an additional £83 million of Welsh Government capital funding to support road and transport schemes in Wales.
Ken Skates said:
“I’ve been very clear since my appointment as Economy Secretary that I see infrastructure and accessibility as key to ensuring the Welsh economy reaches is undoubted potential. My multi-billion pound announcement earlier this month was testimony to this.
“I’m delighted, therefore, to announce yet more funding for Wales as part of the final budget, including a significant £15 million through our local transport network fund, aimed at increasing safety, resilience, and movement along the network.
“It’s clear that certain transport services are under pressure and this money will be ring-fenced to help alleviate some of that strain. Be it rail, bus, road, or active travel solutions – we will work with local authorities and partners to ensure that this money finds those local services that need it the most.
“This latest investment is in addition to the £24m I announced recently for pinch points on our roads. It provides opportunity for us to do more to tackle junctions which are causing congestion and to look at improving overtaking opportunities on key routes from North to South.
“I am confident it will genuinely improve experiences across all modes of transport in Wales and deliver real change to local networks that are under pressure. I am particularly keen to see this funding used to support innovative and sustainable solutions to transport pressure points and help support a more efficient network across Wales.”
The additional £83 million announced by Welsh Government also includes £50 million of funding to accelerate the delivery of the A483 Llandeilo bypass. The scheme will see Welsh Government deliver on their commitment to improve journey time reliability and safety on this north south corridor and bring much needed relief to the communities of Llandeilo and Ffairfach .
On the bypass the Economy Secretary said:
“This is a scheme we’ve looked at for some time and I’m delighted to announce this funding for it. We now expect to see shovels in the ground by the end of 2019, and anticipate the road being open two years later.
“Alongside our commitment to delivering the major improvements to the M4, A55, A40 and A494 I’m determined to ensure that our infrastructure improvements leave no-one behind. These are projects which will not only make a great deal of difference locally but also nationally, and I’m very much looking forward to getting to work on delivering them.”
Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for environment Cllr Hazel Evans said:
“I’m delighted to hear the Welsh Government announcement of funding for the Llandeilo bypass, which will be of huge benefit to the town and surrounding area.
“Llandeilo is on a major through route and this scheme is needed to free the town from heavy traffic congestion. It will be warmly welcomed by residents and businesses.”
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
