A new road scheme has opened across a major UK region, aiming to improve connectivity and journey times for millions of drivers.
The new £60million road scheme includes opening the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross, which has been in the pipeline for more than four years.
The project represents a joint investment by the Welsh Government and the European Union, with drivers set to feel the benefits of the new connection route.
The scheme aims to enhance road safety while also providing better connections for drivers along the east-to-west transport corridor.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
The new road hopes to improve connectivity across Wales
GOV.WALES
Transport for Wales explained that the new route will improve accessibility to key employment, community and tourism destinations throughout southwest Wales.
The new scheme also delivers a 6km upgrade to the old road, featuring a completely new carriageway as well as two new roundabouts and two bridges that have been constructed as part of the improvements.
The project also includes 22 culverts to manage water flow across the new route as well as a new active travel route, which has been incorporated, enabling residents to cycle, walk or ride horses safely.
The scheme has also created significant opportunities for both the national and local economy, with 97 per cent of workers employed on the project coming from across Wales.
More than 100 Welsh businesses were involved in the supply chain, which has helped to boost local industry across Wales.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Fixing our roads is a key priority for us. We've spent £1billion fixing and improving our roads since 2021, including more than £250million in the past year."
She explained that the completion of the scheme was "excellent news for Southwest Wales, providing a more resilient accessible transport link for tourism and key strategic ports in Pembrokeshire."
"The scheme also helps connect local communities to key transport hubs, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles with the introduction of a new route for people wishing to cycle, walk or ride horses," she added.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, praised the engineering achievement, noting how the project is an "impressive piece of engineering and a great example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver on many levels".
He highlighted the multiple benefits of the scheme, stating it was "providing jobs for the local community, improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, alongside delivering environmental benefits".
Skates shared: "It's been a complex project involving a number of key partners and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in helping us to deliver this."
The transport authority has been looking to open the road since 2015 with a study confirming the need to go ahead with this project.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- DVSA to introduce new driving test changes next week offering thousands 'real-life' road experiences
- Chinese car brand has 'real opportunity' to sweep UK market with 'affordable' vehicles including EVs
- Aston Martin limits car exports to United States and considers future plans in response to Trump tariffs
The road was officially opened this week by the First Minister
GOV.WALES
"We want to deliver a project that is sustainable and take steps to reduce or offset waste and carbon," the transport authority shared.
