Newtown bypass route unveiled

Residents turned out yesterday at the Elephant and Castle Hotel to see the detailed maps of the road which will carry traffic past their town instead of through the centre.

Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, said he was delighted the scheme has now reached the stage of having a date set for work to begin.

He said: "The issue of the Newtown bypass has been rumbling on since 1949. At that time, the then Chamber of Trade and Urban District Council protested against a proposed bypass.

"Ever since, the bypass has been the subject of much discussion and after 65 years, we are now finally in a position to alleviate the horrendous traffic congestion we have to put up with on a daily basis following the publication of the draft orders.

"There may be one or two issues that could be resolved during this consultation. The most difficult issue I think will be the caravan park at the far end of town which could be cut in two by the route as it is now, but I hope they can be resolved.

"Now the details are out I think there's some concern about the roundabout at the Welshpool end being raised up and possible light issues and concerns about lorries there. I just hope they'll find a way to deal with that without needing a public inquiry."

The proposed 5.8km scheme would start at a new roundabout on the A489 Llanidloes Road to the west of Newtown. It would then cross over Mochdre Brook and run south of the Mochdre Industrial Estate.

A roundabout would connect with the A483 Dolfor Road and provide a link into the Mochdre Industrial Estate. East of Dolfor Road it would continue across agricultural land to the A489 Kerry Road junction.

It would continue to the south of the Vastre and Dyffryn Industrial Estates before crossing the Cambrian railway, ending at a roundabout on the A483 Pool Road East of Newtown.

The proposed carriageways would allow safe overtaking opportunities and would include some de-trunking works along Pool Road and New Road in Newtown.