News

£35m A40 improvement to go ahead between Llanddewi Velfrey and Penblewin

Published

6 years ago

June 19, 2018

IMPROVEMENTS to the A40 between Llanddewi Velfrey and Penblewin will go ahead following uncertainty.

Doubts were cast on the long-discussed plans after construction giant, and chosen contractor for the job, Carillion, collapsed earlier this year.

Today (Jun 19), Ken Skates, Cabinet Member for Economy and Transport, wrote to AMs and confirmed that the 35m project will go ahead.

Arup will now be in charge of the project, which will have a 2+1 layout, and £22m of the £35m budget will be funded by the European Union.

The 2+1 layout is similar to improvements made on the A40 at Robeston Wathen, and the A477 between Llanddowror and St Clears.

The project is described on the Welsh Government website: “The A40 between St Clears and Haverfordwest is mostly single carriageway with few places for overtaking. The road has poor visibility and a large number of accesses opening straight onto the road. This means that journey times are poor, and drivers make risky overtaking manoeuvers. During summer traffic volumes can increase by over 30% making these problems worse.

“The A40 runs through Llanddewi Velfrey where there is a 40mph speed limit. The road also splits the community.”

The scheme consists of:

a 2.5km bypass from Bethel Chapel to Ffynnon Wood
2.5km improvements west of Ffynnon Wood
1.4km extra overtaking eastbound
1km extra overtaking westbound

In his letter to AMs, Ken Skates said: “The outline design and detailed environmental impact assessment for the scheme is nearly complete and will very much form the basis of the project taken forward.

“Draft Orders are due to be published towards the end of this year with construction commencing around summer 2019, subject to the statutory process.

“We are currently looking at when these can be delivered alongside other priorities in the National Transport Finance Plan and will develop a programme in due course, although site work is expected to start between 2020 and 2023. EU funding has also been earmarked for these improvements.”

Eluned Morgan AM said: “Since the collapse of Carillion, infrastructure schemes across Wales have been thrown into chaos. I welcome this £50 million investment by the Welsh Government supported by the EU to improve safety and journey times on this important national route.

“The use of a 2+1 scheme as we’ve seen on the A477 will allow for further upgrading in future. With work set to begin next year, I very much hope the residents of Llanddewi Velfrey and the thousands of commuters who use the A40 every day will also welcome this positive development.”

Labour’s councillor in Narberth, Cllr Vic Dennis, said: “The A40 is a vital route for the economic prosperity of our county but I have particularly concerned about safety at the Redstone Cross junction on behalf of the residents of Narberth.

“I have held discussions at County Hall and elsewhere to ensure action is taken on improving safety to prevent any further fatalities at this busy cross roads. I am pleased that the Welsh Government is looking seriously at these concerns and I will continue to lobby for improvements to take place as quickly as possible using the EU funds that have already been earmarked.”

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!