The Welsh Government has given the go-ahead to the much-delayed £135m Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass.
The project is a significant development in North West Wales, designed to alleviate current traffic congestion and reduce journey times in the area, the Government said.
This week Wales' first minister, Carwyn Jones, and transport secretary Ken Skates finally gave a green light for it to proceed to the next stage after considering in detail a planning inspector’s report, which recommended the scheme should proceed.
The scheme has also been through a local public inquiry.
The Welsh Government will now press ahead with making the orders for the bypass. The next step is to see a Design and Construct contract awarded with detailed scheme design commencing in June. Construction could then start in November 2018, and be completed by spring 2021.
The 9.7km bypass will be built from the Goat roundabout on the A499/A487 junction to the Plas Menai roundabout, around Llanwnda, Dinas, Bontnewydd and Caernarfon avoiding the town centres. This route will be made up of three sections separated by new roundabouts at Meifod and Cibyn.
Mr Jones said: 'The bypass will not only help connect communities in the area through sustainable and resilient infrastructure, but also provide a vital link to the A55 and beyond to Ireland, England and Europe.
'It also presents a big opportunity for local employment, workforce training and apprenticeships, especially during the construction phase.'
