Long-awaited Newtown bypass work to start in 2015

Campaigners in Newtown say they are delighted that work will be completed by 2017, after Edwina Hart, Welsh Assembly transport minister, met Montgomeryshire AM Russell George.

Motorists currently face daily queues of up to five miles to get into the town along the A483 and A489.

The plan will also see slip roads built around the Kerry Road junctions.

Mr George said: "This was an extremely positive meeting with the minister. She has again re-affirmed her commitment to the bypass and informed me that the project is still on budget and on schedule.

"She informed me that the contractors – Alan Griffiths Contractors Ltd – who are working up the detailed design are due to complete that work shortly."

He added: "She also said the contractors are currently in discussion with landowners and land purchase is due to take place towards the end of next year with construction planned to start early 2015.

"It is anticipated that the construction will take two years.

"In relation to the short-term solutions to ease the current traffic pinch-points, the Government has approved a proposal at the Kerry Road junction which will see a slip road inserted for vehicles approaching from Cambrian Way.

"The minister confirmed that her officials are in discussions with landowners to allow them to purchase appropriate land to improve the Kerry road junction.

"From this meeting I certainly feel more encouraged that we are closer to getting what we deserve in relation to these issues."

Campaigners in the town said they were buoyed by the news, but said they were eagerly awaiting seeing the work beginning.

Paul Davies, 32, who lives in Treowen and travels to work as an office assistant in Welshpool, said: "I use the road in both rush hours every day and this is brilliant news. It can really make your heart sink seeing how big the queues are each day.

"Even though it sounds so positive, I don't think I will actually believe it until I see it with my own eyes."