Road Improvement Schemes in Montgomeryshire

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales – in the Senedd at 2:04 pm on 11 November 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:04, 11 November 2020

I think the number of schemes that the Member has pointed to demonstrates how keen we are to invest in the Member's constituency—[Laughter.]—and how keen we are to progress those schemes at maximum pace.

With regard to the new Dyfi bridge scheme on the A487, obviously, COVID-19 has had an impact, in terms of our ability to consult with the community, but my officials have been working closely with Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Limited to agree and finalise a revised construction programme. I'll be making, as I said, a further announcement on when the construction will start very shortly, but we are incredibly keen to progress that as a matter of urgency, because it could contribute towards the recovery from coronavirus—the economic recovery, that is.

In terms of the other projects, on the A470 Caersws bridge lane restriction the Member is right that there have been concerns about the condition of the bridge, specifically the condition of the three arch masonry points that we are looking at as a matter of urgency. We've got further analysis of the structure being commissioned as a matter of urgency, and the work, once completed, will inform the need for any further safety measures and works.

The Member is right that the footbridge proposal is progressing. Welsh transport appraisal guidance stage 2 has progressed in order to provide enough information on a preferred option for public consultation. Once the outline details of the crossing have been finalised, which is expected to take until the end of this year, we'll be in a position to consult with the public. I can inform the Member that, obviously, landowners have been approached and their comments are going to be taken into account wherever applicable. Once I've got the results of the public consultation, I'll be able to consider the next steps, and an announcement will be made at that time with an indication of the programme, going forward.

Then, in terms of the roundabout as well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to write to the Member regarding the latest on the WelTAG stage 2 programme of works for the A470 Caersws roundabout.