Preferred route for Newtown bypass revised

The Welsh Government has announced changes to Newtown bypass that could lead to savings of £5 million.

According to Transport Minister Edwina Hart, revisions to the preferred route of the proposed bypass could lead to cost savings of around £5m and reduce impact on the local environment.

Following a review, the Welsh Government has published a revised preferred route, including changes at four locations to avoid a gas main and reduce the amount of earthworks needed.

Hart said: “These changes to the route will simplify the work required, which will reduce the impact on the environment and allow work on this important project to start sooner. The bypass will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483 and A489.”

The changes will reduce the impact of the works on the environment and lead to cost savings of around £5m. It will also mean there will now be an overtaking lane for the whole length of the bypass and the amended route will be further away from the Garth Owen housing estate, reducing the impact on them.

 The new route differs from the previous on at four locations.

 • At the eastern tie in, the route crosses over rather than under the Cambrian Railway line

 • At the A489 junction, a roundabout replaces a grade separated junction and the route has been moved southwards by approximately 60m.

 • At the A483 junction the alignment has been moved southwards by approximately 250m

 • At the western tie in (near Glandulas Holiday Park), the route has been moved northwards by approximately 80m.

Detailed maps of the route will be available to see at a public information exhibition in Newtown in April and a consultation on the draft orders will be held in the summer.