A465 dualling: Frustration at roadworks and closures
Peter Fox, member of the Senedd for Monmouth, has raised concerns about ongoing closures and delays on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, which runs from Neath to Hereford.
A major dualling project between Neath and Abergavenny recently concluded after more than two decades of work, with the Gilwern to Brynmawr section—known locally as Blackrock—finishing six years behind schedule in 2023.
Mr Fox said: "I don't think that anyone will argue the Heads of the Valleys Road is an impressive feat of engineering, but it has been nothing short of expensive and frustrating for the people of Wales.
"The project began in 2002, and has taken 23 years to finish, costing the Welsh Government over £2 billion.
"This is an extraordinary amount of money, and something they have quite rightly been challenged on."
The latest disruption involves night closures near the Hardwick roundabout, with traffic diverted onto the A40 to allow for structural inspections.
Mr Fox said: "Residents in my constituency near Gilwern, Abergavenny and the surrounding villages remember all too well how frustrating the works in the area have been, and these unfortunately look set to continue.
"For a road that has been under construction for 23 years, and recently undergoing resurfacing and now inspections for structural integrity, it really does beg the question if it will ever be truly finished.
"I do hope these inspections will find that no further works will be required, otherwise this could become a never-ending saga."
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