Apprenticeships, business and local communities will all benefit once the £53m Newtown bypass work begins next week because of how construction enables so much of Welsh society.

Welsh Transport Minister Edwina Hart AM has announced that construction work on the £53m Newtown bypass will start next Monday (7th March).

The contract for the detailed design, construction and environmental aftercare has been awarded to Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd (AGC). The 6.5km bypass will follow a west to east route to the south of Newtown. The proposed carriageways will allow safe overtaking opportunities in both directions with the provision of a 2+1 carriageway.

Mrs Hart said: “This bypass will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483, A489 and local roads within the town. In addition to creating up to 90 jobs and new apprenticeships during the construction phase this project will also provide an important long-term economic boost to the region.

“As a pro-business government we recognise the importance of investing in our trunk road network to improve access to employment sites and reduce journey times. This section of road provides important transport links between North and South Wales and Mid Wales and the West Midlands in England.”