Call made to open Newtown Bypass early

The AM for Montgomeryshire said there is a "big push" on to bring the opening date forward after major progress has been made.

"I have been impressed with the progress made and it is certainly taking shape," he said.

"With the warm dry weather over the summer it has allowed the contractors to progress earthworks ahead of schedule. Now the weather has cooled down, landscaping and planting is taking place to allow new plants to establish.

"While completion is planned for the early part of next year, I would like to see a big push to open it early and before the end of the year. I believe this is now possible."

On Sunday hundreds of people, including Mr George, took part in a 5k charity run/walk along a completed section of the bypass between the contractors’ depot on the Dolfor Road and the Llanidloes Roundabout.

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He said: "The event was very well organised. Alun Griffiths Contractors did a great job, with support from other local organisations such as the Rotary club and the Rapid Relief Team.

“However, there was great demand for the tickets for the walk and I have asked the Welsh Government to consider allowing a further walk to take place on the full bypass route before it opens, without limits on the numbers of walkers or attendees."

The event included an elite 5k run at 9.30am followed by an amateur run at 11.30am, followed by a fun walk for families in the afternoon.

Mr George added: "I was pleased to take part in the charity 5k run last weekend and was pleased to have completed the run in 40 minutes, especially as I had done no training. I am feeling the aches and pains, but it was all worth it."

Money raised from entry fees went to the Wales Air Ambulance and Cancer Research UK, but people were also encouraged to raise money for their own chosen charities.

Work began constructing Newtown Bypass in 2015 after decades of calls for something to be done to ease traffic congestion in Powys's largest town.