01/02/2010

Work Starts On £50m Wales Bypass

Construction work has commenced on the new £50m Porthmadog Bypass project in Wales.

This new section of the A487, backed by the Welsh Assembly, will improve journey times, ease congestion and significantly improve environmental conditions within Porthmadog, Minfford and Tremadog.

The A487 is a vital route for travelling between north and south Wales as well as being a key connection between the towns and villages in the area.

Welsh Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "This new by-pass should help ease congestion and shorten travel times between north and south Wales.

"This Assembly Government project that will be a boost not only to Porthmadog and the local economy, but also North Wales contractors who will be working on the road."

Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said the start of works was a "momentous day" for the Porthmadog area.

"I am confident that this vital new road will ease congestion in Tremadog, Porthmadog and Minffordd and help make shoppers and visitors experience to the area a more pleasurable one as well as providing a welcome boost to the local economy."

Jones Bros Managing Director, Huw Jones, said the contract had helped secure jobs for Jones Bros employees, many of whom live in the vicinity of Porthmadog.

"It is providing new opportunities for our employees to develop their skills and experience. It is therefore helping to raise the construction and management skills base of the Welsh workforce," he said.

The new road will provide a more direct route, improved visibility and safer overtaking opportunities.

The contract for the design and construction of the bypass was awarded to a joint venture between Balfour Beatty plc and Jones Bros. of Ruthin in December 2009.

Works are expected to be completed in late 2011.

(PR/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 February 2013
Couple Found Dead In House
A man and woman have been found dead in a house in Birmingham. The couple, believed to be aged in their 30s, were found in a bedroom on Miranda Close in Frankley at about 10:00am. They were pronounced dead at the scene and the deaths are being treated as unexplained.
28 March 2011
Support For Schools To Develop Business
The Government has today announced that it will support every school to develop and run its own business through the Enterprise Champions Programme. This is part of a package of four new announcements to help inspire, support and grow new businesses in the UK.
21 September 2010
Second British Soldier Named
The Ministry of Defence has named the second British soldier killed in Afghanistan on Saturday. While patrolling Lashkar Gah, Sgt Andrew Jones, 35, of the Royal Engineers, died alongside Trooper Andrew Howarth, of The Queen's Royal Lancers on Saturday.
22 July 2010
Pair Jailed Over Iraq Body Armour Deal
Two arms dealers who sold military body armour to entities in the middle east and Iraq were sentenced this week after an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Southwark Crown Court was told on Tuesday that, Jason Teal and Glynn Jones sent hundreds of bulletproof body armour and helmets to Iraq and Kuwait among other destinations.
14 May 2010
'First Class' Halted By Welsh Secretary
The new Welsh Secretary of State has said she will no longer use first class rail travel. Cheryl Gillan revealed the change as she met Labour First Minister Carwyn Jones, Head of the Welsh Assembly Government, at his Cardiff Bay office. The Cardiff-born minister and her officials will also travel 2nd class.