The Welsh government has published a plan that sets out priorities for roads and public transport projects over the next five to 30 years.The new National Transport Plan will sit alongside local transport plans being published by local authorities.“Transport has a critical role to play in improving Wales’ economic competiveness and delivering our social ambitions,” Transport Minister Edwina Hart said.“This plan aims to provide a fresh approach to transport planning which will allow greater flexibility and ensure our investment best serves the needs of businesses, people and communities. We need a transport system that provides excellent national and international connections, enabling access to markets, employment, education and services.”Five key priorities, identified in the Welsh Government’s Wales Transport Strategy, inform the National Transport Plan:
  • Economic growth
  • Access to employment
  • Tackling poverty
  • Sustainable travel and safety
  • Access to services
Individual projects are prioritised to start in the short term (next five years), medium term (up to 10 years) or longer term (next 20 to 30 years).To mark the publication of the draft plan the Minister visited work on the Gilwern to Brynmawr section of the A465 dualling project and on the new Ebbw Vale Town train station.Both projects are in the short term projects listed in the National Transport Plan and will form part of the Cardiff Capital Region Metro. Some of the other short and medium term projects include:
  • Improvements to the A55 – including tunnels, junctions 15&16 and the Menai crossing
  • A487 Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass
  • A483 / A489 Newtown bypass
  • A483 Llandeilo bypass
  • A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Penblewin improvements to safety and access to Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone
  • North-South rail journey time and capacity improvements
  • Implement the recommendations arising from the Bus Policy Advisory Group Review in 2014 and introduce quality standards to improve bus services.
  • Deliver a youth concessionary bus fare scheme for 16 and 17 year olds
  • Projects for phase one of the Cardiff Capital Region Metro
Mrs Hart added: “These proposals demonstrate our commitment to developing an efficient integrated transport system that will improve access to jobs and services and deliver economic growth throughout Wales.”The draft National Transport Plan and details of the consultation can be found athttp://wales.gov.uk/consultations/transport/draft-national-transport-plan/The consultation closes on 11 March 2015.