The Welsh Government has awarded Wrexham Council £2.8m to repair a key road that was severely damaged by Storm Christoph last year.
The B5605 in Newbridge, near Wrexham has been closed since January 2021. Officials said that due to the severity of the damage, the council had carried out a series of complex surveys and cost analysis to establish the extent of repair needed.
In July, the council said the repairs had been costed at ‘more £1m’ Now, following a successful funding bid, repairs will begin later this year.
Officials added that with climate change increasing the intensity and frequency of storms and other extreme weather events, the Welsh Government is carrying out a nationwide roads review to balance spending between new road construction, and adapting and maintaining existing ones.
Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change with responsibility for transport, said: ‘Storm Christoph had devastating consequences for communities when it hit Wales last year, causing major disruption to our infrastructure and roads.
‘Throughout the long recovery process we have been working very closely with all local authorities and I am pleased that we have been able to provide vital funding for Wrexham Council to make the necessary repairs to this road through our Resilient Roads Fund.
‘We continue to work hard to build resilience in our travel networks and wider infrastructure as we plan ahead for climate change.’
Ian Bancroft, chief executive for Wrexham Council said: ‘Repairing this road will make a massive difference to people in Newbridge, Cefn Mawr and Rhosymedre – as well as surrounding communities like Plas Madoc, Ruabon and Chirk.
‘It’s not a straightforward road repair – the damage is substantial and we’ve had to undertake a lot of in-depth geo-technical assessments and cost analysis.
‘But we’re delighted we’ve been able to secure this funding, and look forward to reopening this key piece of infrastructure.’
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