The long-awaited completion of the A465 in South Wales is expected this summer, marking the end of a 23-year project.
South Wales: It’s finally happening! The A465, known as the Heads of the Valleys Road, is set to be completed this summer after 23 long years of roadworks.
The Welsh government has confirmed that this project has been one of the biggest and most challenging road projects in the UK. It’s cost a whopping £1.4 billion, but they say it’ll cut down journey times and make the roads safer.
The last stretch from Hirwaun to Dowlais is finally getting wrapped up, and it’s been done in several stages over the years.
Local councillor David Hughes shared that these improvements will be a big win for the community. He believes it’ll make the road quicker and hopefully bring in more jobs and opportunities.
Ken Skates, Wales’s transport secretary, emphasized that fixing the roads is a top priority for the Welsh government. He acknowledged the complexity of the project and thanked everyone involved for their hard work.
However, not everyone is thrilled. Damien Pearce, who runs Valley Carpets, mentioned that the road closures have hit his business hard. The first few years of the latest stage were really tough, with all the blockades making it hard for customers to get to him.
But he’s optimistic about the completed road. He noted that his shop is now more visible since it used to be hidden by trees. He’s already seeing more people stop by after noticing his building while driving.
This project is part of a broader review of road-building in Wales, with a new focus on environmental factors. Shadow transport secretary Peter Fox criticized the project for being over budget and behind schedule, questioning if the expense was justified.
