The A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross road scheme in
Pembrokeshire has been opened thanks to a £60 million joint
investment by Welsh Government and the EU.
The scheme, which was officially opened today by the First
Minister, will improve connectivity,
reduce journey times, provide extra resilience and reliability,
and enhance road safety. It delivers a new 6km upgrade to the old
road, a new carriageway, new roundabouts, 2 new bridges, 22
culverts, a new active travel route and environmental landscaping
with over 450,000 plants and trees.
As well as providing improved accessibility along the east-west
transport corridor in south Wales to key employment, community
and tourism destinations, the scheme has also created
significant opportunities for the national and local economy,
including:
- Employing 97% of workers from across Wales.
- Working with more than 100 Welsh businesses as part of the
supply chain
- Employing more than 50 unemployed people and 16 apprentices
from the area,
A series of environmental benefits have also been delivered by
the scheme such as,
- The safeguarding of protected species such as badgers, bats,
and dormice via mammal fencing, underpasses, and habitat
connectivity.
- Planting of 150,000 new trees and 300,000 new plants
The First Minister of Wales, said,
“Fixing our roads is a key priority for us. We've spent £1bn
fixing and improving our roads since 2021, including more than
£250m in the past year.
“The completion of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross
Improvement scheme is excellent news for Southwest Wales
providing a more resilient accessible transport link for tourism
and key strategic ports in Pembrokeshire.
“The scheme also helps connect local communities to key transport
hubs, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles with the
introduction of a new route for people wishing to cycle, walk or
ride horses.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said,
“This project is an impressive piece of engineering and a great
example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can
deliver on many levels, providing jobs for the local community,
improving accessibility, supporting education and skills,
alongside delivering environmental benefits.
“It's been a complex project involving a number of key partners
and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in
helping us to deliver this.”
