Vital utilities work to follow Newtown Bypass opening

Hafren Dyfrdwy along with Wales and West Utilities are planning major water mains/gas mains renewal works in Newtown now that the bypass is open.

These works have been on hold for some considerable time due to the significant disruption that would have occurred without the bypass being in place.

The majority of these works will be taking place in housing estates or along small residential streets so the impact of the works will be minimal.

However, there will be works undertaken by Wales and West Utilities when they renew the gas mains along Llanidloes Road, Dolfor Road and Plantation Lane which will be more disruptive to local traffic.

These works are planned to take place over the school summer holidays due to the immediate proximity of several schools.

Councillor Phyl Davies, cabinet member for highways, said: “With Newtown bypass opening, the main road through Newtown now becomes the council’s responsibility.

"Works to safeguard the condition of the highway asset will also be planned to be carried out in co-ordination with the utility works.

“However, before we undertake highway maintenance works, it is important that utility companies are able to carry out any essential works on their infrastructure.

"We have already been liaising with Hafren Dyfrdwy and Wales and West Utilities regarding what renewal works they have got in the pipeline over the next 12 months.

“We will continue to work closely with all utility company to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

"However, the opening of the bypass will reduce the impact of the town considerably when these works are carried out.”

Wales & West Utilities Operational Manager for Powys, Nick Williams said: “We will be working in the Llanidloes Road area of Newtown to upgrade more than 1.5k of old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones.

"This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"We will start work on Llanidloes Road on 18 May at its junction with Oakfield Terrace and continue working down the road until we reach Dolfor Road. We will then work along Dolfor Road during July and August up to its junction with Plantation Lane. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete our work in August 2019.

“In agreement with Powys County Council, and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, Dolfor Road will be closed at its junction with Llanidloes Road from 22 July to 30 August. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

“Where possible, we always plan our works to take place during school holidays in order to minimise the disruption to local residents. We know working on roads like these is not ideal, but this work really is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“We’re working hard to make sure that the work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible, and we really appreciate the patience of local people while we are working.

“Our Customer Service Team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999 or enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk. Alternatively, you can contact us on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/WWUtilities.”