Having campaigned for years to see the Welsh Government take steps to improve the A470 and access to it in Aberconwy, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, has today received a commitment from Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change, that:
- The Welsh Government will be undertaking a WelTAG stage 1 appraisal of the route from Glan Conwy to Betws Y Coed in the next financial year (2022/23)
- Officials are on hand to discuss any proposals Conwy County Borough Council may have for Pont Fawr and consider any improvements that could be made to the trunk road to facilitate such proposals.
This news comes after the Member for Aberconwy wrote to the Welsh Government with a request that a feasibility study into having an alternative signal-controlled solution on the A470 for Pont Fawr in Llanrwst be undertaken.
Commenting on the promise secured by the Welsh Government, Janet said:
“My past work with Conwy Council on trying to tackle the chaos that has been unfolding on Pont Fawr in Llanrwst has resulted in the Local Authority developing proposals for new signage and road markings. However, it is time to consider the feasibility of introducing a signal-controlled solution on the A470.
“I welcome the fact that the Welsh Government is now prepared to consider any improvements that can be made to the trunk road to facilitate a solution for the historic bridge.
“Whilst I will liaise with the Local Authority in an effort to see alternative proposals developed for Pont Fawr, I will also be keeping a close eye on the promise now made in writing to review the A470 from Glan Conwy to Betws Y Coed.
“Having raised concerns such as about the junction with Pont Fawr; the junction in Tal y Cafn; Bodnant hill; and the section in the Rhyd y Creuau area, I am clear that there is a need for action at numerous points.
“Stage one of the review should see a short list of options selected before potentially moving on to creating an outline business case. I will be scrutinising the Deputy Minister in detail should this review turn out to be yet another road to nowhere”.
ENDS
Notes:
Written Question by Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy):
Will the Minister undertake a feasibility study into having an alternative signal controlled solution on the A470 for Pont Fawr in Llanrwst? (WQ82806)
Response by Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Climate Change:
In the next financial year 2022/23, we will be undertaking a WelTAG stage 1 appraisal of the route from Glan Conwy to Betws Y Coed. This will consider all issues along that corridor aligning with the priorities of the Wales Transport Strategy. In the meantime, I would be happy for my officials to discuss any proposals Conwy County Borough Council may have for the bridge and consider any improvements that could be made to the trunk road to facilitate these proposals.
