The £1.4bn Heads of the Valleys Road is scheduled for completion this summer, the Welsh Government has confirmed.
The transformation of the A465 between Hirwaun and Dowlais into a dual carriageway with two lanes running both ways has incurred a cost of £1.4bn, with work progressing since 2021.
The Welsh Government highlights that the project will enhance accessibility and road safety, while decreasing travel times and adding reliable route options with the introduction of new infrastructure. The revamp includes 17.7km of dual carriageway, the construction of 6.1km of side roads, over 14km designated for active travel paths, along with the installation of 38 culverts, 30 bridges and 28 retaining walls.
The project is being financed, with a long-term repayment and interest schedule, through the Welsh Government's mutual investment model. The annual service payment up to 2055 is £38m. The taxpayer has a stake in the project, as in all MIM financed project, with a 15% interest for the Development Bank of Wales.
Upon completion come this summer, the revamped roadway will operate as a 70mph dual carriageway, featuring six access points. Wales' transport minister Ken Skates praised the endeavour, remarking: "This project is an incredibly impressive piece of engineering and a fantastic 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."
He acknowledged the complexity and challenges of the ambitious project, extending thanks to all contributors: "It's been a complex project which has not been without its challenges, and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in helping us to deliver one of the largest road projects in the Ƶ."
The Welsh Government has reported that the scheme has generated over 2,000 new jobs, with more than half of those employed residing in the local area. The project has also provided opportunities for 158 apprentices, nearly half of whom are from the valley's region, thereby supporting education and skills training.
In addition to its economic impact, the initiative has brought about a range of environmental benefits. Species such as the great crested newt and marsh fritillary butterfly have been relocated, while new habitats have been established for bats, dormice and lapwings.
Over 55,000 trees have been planted locally, a figure expected to rise to 120,000 by the programme's conclusion, according to the Welsh Government.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Peter Fox MS said: “This overbudget and well behind schedule project epitomises Labour’s 25 years of failure here in Wales.
“By scrapping many other vital infrastructure projects like the much-needed M4 relief road, the cost of which would have nearly been covered by the Heads of the Valleys price tag, the Welsh public will rightly question whether this gargantuan expense was worth it
“The anti-motorist Welsh Labour Government needs a change in management. The Welsh Conservatives stand ready to fix Wales.”
