Transformation for Welsh roads
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THE TRUNK road system in Wales will be transformed within the next 10 years with extra projects brought forward by the Secretary of State and the commissioning of feasibility studies of other schemes, according to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Barry Jones.
In a policy statement reviewing trunk road schemes for 1977-89, Mr Jones said, "During the last four years impressive progress has been made in equipping South Wales with the trunk road system so vital to its future prosperity.
"The M4 was shielded against cuts in public expenditure, with the result that 31 miles of new motorway were opened in 1977, which was an unprecedented feat for the Principality."
Work is now in hand on two of the three remaining sections of M4 which, when completed, will provide 80 miles of motorway from the English border to beyond Pontardulais.
The problems on the North Wales coast road are also to be tackled. The intention is to provide a dual carriageway from Chester to Bangor as soon as possible.
Many other road improvements are being planned but of particular note are two in the Ebbw Vale and Wrexham areas. The need to provide good access to these areas has now been recognised. Provision has been made for a new dual carriageway between Raglan and Abergavenny and work is programmed to start in mid-1979. This will complete the modern road system needed to give better communication between the Heads of the Valleys and the areas to the east.
In the Wrexham area the intention is to complete by the mid-1980s a dual carriageway from Chester to Chirk at a current cost of £43m.
A detailed study of traffic requirements is currently in hand at north-east Clwyd. This is to determine the best way of improving the highway network and the links to the English motorway system to meet the more long-term needs of traffic which should enhance the prospects and long-term future of industrial Deeside.