Conwy Valley road and rail improvements pledge

Dec 4 2008 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

TWO new road projects in the Conwy Valley were announced this week, which it is hoped will improve transport links across Wales.

Minister for transport Ieuan Wyn Jones this week set out his plans for moving towards a more integrated transport system for Wales.

He said: “We are committed to our goal of securing a system of integrated transport fit for the 21st century, which will both unite our nation and deliver on our plans for a drastic cut in carbon emissions.”

He gave approval to two new road projects on the A470 between Glan Conwy and Llanrwst – Penloyn to Llanrwst, and Pentrefelin to Bodnant West Lodge. As top priority projects, work will start before April 2011.

He also announced approval for the Holyhead to Cardiff fast rail service which starts this month.

“I am very conscious of the commitment we made in respect of cutting carbon equivalent emissions and the part transport must play in meeting that pledge,” he added.

“That’s why I am for the first time setting out our forward rail programme, which will give firm evidence of our intention to create an integrated transport system.

“Our road and rail plans will be subject to further refinement as we bring forward the National Transport Plan and its regional spin-offs.”

Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones welcomed the announcements.

“I welcome the pledge to improve north-south links by both road and rail and to reduce rail travel time,” he said.

“This is a significant financial investment but perhaps more importantly an investment in our communities in uniting north and south as one nation.”

Also, the long-awaited Llandudno Transport Interchange, which is part of the National Stations Improvement Programme, was finally approved in principle, while the Conwy slate waste project was assigned a high priority ranking.

Phase two road improvements on the A470 between Plas Maenan and Bodhyfryd will start between 2011-14, and a high priority was given to improving the A470 at Llanrwst itself, although work would not start before 2014.