Key route to Mid and West Wales coast to reopen this week.

Transport officials have confirmed that a key route connecting North and South Wales is set to reopen near Newtown this week following months of essential repair work.

According to Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates, the A470 between Talerddig and Dolfach will reopen as planned on 11 April, with temporary traffic management measures remaining in place until the end of the month.

Local Senedd Member Russell George, who had previously raised concerns about the closure in the Senedd, welcomed the news. "The work provides a permanent solution at this point, following a retaining wall which supported the road partially collapsing. The works were needed, and it was vital this work was carried out, but there has been much disruption caused by the works. I'm pleased the road will re-open this Friday, with all traffic management to be removed by the end of the month," he said.

The major trunk road, which serves as a crucial route for motorists travelling from Newtown to Mid and West Wales coastal areas, has been fully closed since 20 January to allow for complex and extensive repairs to a retaining wall above the adjacent Afon Laen. The road has faced restrictions since October 2023, when the wall partially collapsed, necessitating an emergency closure.

Two-way traffic lights will now be reinstalled at the site whilst a safety barrier is completed, with officials promising that all traffic management will be removed by 30 April. Authorities have indicated they will make every effort to reduce this timeframe if possible.

The reopening will come as a relief to businesses that rely on this vital transportation link between north and south Wales, which has seen significant disruption over the past 15 months.

Mr Skates acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the works, saying: "I understand the disruption caused by the works and I'd like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience whilst the work was taking place. However, it was vital this work was carried out at this time to ensure the road can remain open in the years to come."

He also expressed gratitude to the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent and their supply chain for completing the work on schedule while minimising disruption as much as possible.

The repairs are expected to provide a permanent solution for this stretch of the A470, ensuring its stability and safety for the foreseeable future.