Road safety improvements decision expected next year

Plans to make the Long Length and Caersws road junction near Caersws safer with a roundabout as well as improvements to the bridge over the River Severn could progress in early 2024.

It is understood the Welsh Government will hold an engagement event in the village about the schemes after April 2024.

There had been concern that both schemes could have been delayed or shelved when the Welsh Government put a hold on most new road schemes in Wales earlier this year.

However, these were maintained along with a few others.

Montgomerysire's Member of the Senedd, Russell George, said he was confident the schemes would progress: "The First Minister confirmed to me that the Moat Lane junction and pedestrian crossing across the river schemes will continue to develop and that some of the more recent recommendations that include additional safety and active travel elements will need to be planned into the project.

"He did further point out that like all schemes, it inevitably has to meet the same tests as any other road scheme, and then of affordability."

He added: "In my most recent update from the Minister in November, he confirmed to me that the proposed road safety improvement schemes were included in the National Transport Delivery Plan and that his officials are undertaking further work. This work should be completed by April 2024. The Minister has informed me that an engagement event will then be held locally."