Major road opens to traffic after most expensive upgrade in Welsh history

Wales Online

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Major road opens to traffic after most expensive upgrade in Welsh history
The £2 billion project to upgrade the A465 Heads of the Valleys road began in 2002 and has now been fully completed
Construction of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road
(Image: Richard Swingler Photography )
The most expensive road construction project ever in Wales is being officially opened on Thursday - 23 years after it started. After more than two decades of disruptions, motorists can at last breathe a sigh of relief as smooth traffic returns to an area previously synonymous with congestion.
The removal of the final traffic cone and contraflow late last month signalled the end of the extensive A465 Heads of the Valleys road works. The seminal moment marked the culmination of a 28-mile enhancement endeavour, started in 2002, which racked up a bill of £2 billion.
Welsh Government minister Jane Hutt had lauded the scheme as "one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the whole of the UK". For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here .
Since its inception in 2002, the project has steadily progressed to transform the A465 into a dual carriageway section by section.
Running from the M4 near Neath to the A40 dual carriageway at Abergavenny, ultimately connecting to the midlands of England, the crucial final segment between Hirwaun and Dowlais got underway back in 2001.
With the works completed, the road network now boasts a 17.7km stretch of new dual carriageway complemented by 6.1km of side roads, over 14km designed for active travel, 38 new water culverts, 30 fresh bridges, and 28 retaining walls. Speed limits will set the new dual carriageway at a steady 70mph, interspersed with six junctions for access.
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The Welsh Government has also highlighted the project's contribution to the local economy, generating more than 2,000 jobs, with more than half the workforce coming from the vicinity.
A total of 158 apprentices have gained experience through the initiative, nearly half of whom hail from the valleys area, reinforcing the commitment to bolstering local education and training opportunities.
The road's official opening will take place on Thursday, June 12. The Welsh Government's transport minister Ken Skates said: "Delivering better transport and fixing our roads is a priority for this government, which is why I am delighted to be marking the completion of what has been a hugely ambitious road upgrade programme.
'It's been a complex project, which has not been without its challenges, but is a fantastic example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver benefits on so many levels, from providing local jobs to improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, as well as delivering environmental benefits.
'Of course, a project of this magnitude is inevitably going to have an impact on local residents, and I would like to thank those that were affected for their patience.
"I am confident that once people realise the benefits of this investment, memories of any disruption they have experienced will start to fade.'
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Finance secretary Mark Drakeford added: "Investing in this major capital project has created real benefits for local people. It has resulted in £400m for the local supply chain and has created 2,200 new jobs.
'Beyond improving transport, this project has built a legacy in the area, by training over 200 apprentices and providing STEM activities for local schools. This shows how our investments are improving more than just infrastructure; they are supporting our communities."