£200m set aside for major roads in North Wales

25/06/2015 | HIGHWAYS REPORTERS

Welsh Transport Minister Edwina Hart has outlined her future priorities for transport in North Wales – including earmarking over £200 million for major road improvements.

In a written statement entitled ‘Future Transport Investments in North Wales’, she said: “My focus in deciding on the transport priorities has been to deliver the objectives set out in the Wales Transport Strategy, to improve access and connectivity to support economic growth and link communities to key services and employment.

“North Wales is going through an exciting period with transformational projects either underway or in the pipeline. It is vitally important that our transport system in the region supports that development and seeks to encourage further investment to grow the regional economy. I am also acutely aware of the importance of cross boundary connectivity and the interventions I will set out will seek to maximise that potential.”

In addition to improving rail services, the Welsh government have submitted a bid under the first round of Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) funding for improvements to the A55.

Hart added: “Recognising the strategic importance of the trunk road network in the region, I will be progressing with developing schemes to address congestion, resilience issues and improve journey time. We are already well advanced with the A487 Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass and aim to start construction late 2016. We are also making good progress with determining the preferred route to overcome the traffic problems on the A494/A55 at Queensferry. I am assessing two corridors and will hold a public exhibition later in the year before confirming the preferred route in 2016. In addition to earmarking over £200m on improving the road network in the Deeside area I am committing funding to develop a business case for a third crossing over the Menai Straits.”

In addition to the major road improvements, Hart confirmed that the government will continue to invest in schemes that will improve the operation of the trunk road network.

She continued: “In an attempt to reduce the impact of traffic problems on the A55 I have just completed investing nearly £5m to introduce emergency crossing points and hardened verges and refurbishing drainage systems prone to flooding. A further £42m investment in the A55 tunnels is scheduled to be completed this financial year and it is my intention to identify what other improvements that need to be delivered to improve the resilience of the network.”

Last month, Hart approved the Local Transport Plan for North Wales which was prepared collaboratively by six local authorities.

“To support the authorities with delivering their priorities, I have allocated a total of £6m transport grant this year to fund local road schemes, introduce new walking and cycling facilities and to improve road safety,” she adds.

Schemes supported include £1.867m for the Llangefni Link Road, £720,000 for works to improve access to key locations in Deeside and £206,000 to enable continued development of the proposed new road link to the Llanbedr Airfield in the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone.

“I am committed to ensuring a modern integrated transport system for the whole of Wales and am confident these investments will introduce further improvements to the transport system in North Wales,” concluded Hart.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

£46,878 - £50,071
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Design Services

£77,536 - £83,366
You will lead the delivery of a high-performing Technical Services Partnership (TSP). Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 - £25,989 per annum
We are currently looking for a Mobile Cleansing Operative to join our Northallerton team. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recruiter: Bolton Council

Asset Senior Maintenance Engineer (CDC)

Grade 10, £47,154 – £51,235
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Structures Engineer

£40,777-£45,091
We are seeking to recruit a Highway Structures Engineer - Asset Management Graded 11. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking the workloa Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Arboricultural Consultant

£36168.0000 - £42551.0000 per annum
Arboricultural ConsultantPermanentFull Time, 37 hours per week£36,168 to £42,551 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Flood Risk Engineer - Epping Forest District Council

£40.0000 - £45.0000 per hour
Flood Risk Engineer Epping, EssexFull-Time, Temporary 37 Hours per Week 3 Months Contract* £40-£45 per hour, Umbrella Closing Date
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Senior Engineer

Starting Salary from £43,545 based on skills and
Job TitleSenior Engineer (x2 v... Frogmore Complex, Wandsworth, London,
Recruiter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Electrical Design Engineer

Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 - Grade 10 £38,220 to £41,771 - Grade 11 £40,777 to £45,091 - Grade 12 £44,075 to £48,226 p.a.
The Construction Consultancy Services (CCS) team provide client-side construction consultancy services across a range of professional disciplines to d Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Street Lighting Electrician CDC

Grade 8, £33,708 - £37,399
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2311e

£26,403 - £26,824
This is a predominantly office-based role with some site visits required. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Lawyer Planning and Highways - WMF2312e

£56,883 - £59,198
To be a success in our Legal Team you will have experience as a Planning and Highways Lawyer Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Street Cleansing Operative

£26,403.00 - £28,142.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council's Street Scene Services for a Street Cleansing Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Civil Engineering Technician (HDM)

Grade 4 - Grade 6
Do you want to join a team helping to shape the future of Wakefield through Highways Development Management? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management operative course Staffordshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729 (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship Rothersthorpe, Northampton
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship Ecclesfield, Sheffield
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship. Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Amey
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW