A scheme to improve a major transport link in West Wales has won a top award for its sustainable construction credentials.

Constructing Excellence in Wales (CEW) has named the Welsh Government's A40 Penblewin to Slebech Park Improvement Scheme as their Project of the Year 2011. The awards honour landmark projects that drive forward best practice in construction and support a low carbon industry.

The £42 million scheme, backed by the European Regional Development Fund, involved improving a 2.5km section of the A40 trunk road, and providing a 2km bypass for the Pembrokeshire village of Robeston Wathen, using an innovative '2+1' overtaking layout. It is the first time the design has been used in Wales and by providing clearly defined overtaking sections, will improve safety and journey time reliability, as well as providing relief from the effects of trunk road traffic for local residents,

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Transport Minister, Carl Sargeant, said: "I am delighted that this scheme has been recognised for being at the forefront of collaborative design and construction methods as well as supporting our ambitions to become a low carbon economy. It is our goal to deliver greater efficiency across the road network and achieve a more sustainable transport system.

"The completion of the scheme has already improved the quality of life for people living in the village of Robeston Wathen and delivers improved access to jobs and services along this vital route, which links West Wales to Ireland and the UK motorway network."

At the awards ceremony in Cardiff recognition was given to the use of best practice and collaboration between the Client and the contractor, Costain, in the design and build of the new format carriageway.

Milica Kitson, Chief Executive of CEW said: "In what was a great night for Welsh construction, especially west Wales which had three winners, the CEW Awards showed Wales is setting a benchmark for what can be achieved by team working.

"The standards this year are fantastic – we could not even break down the project of the year to a shortlist. The event clearly shows that Wales is well on the way to creating a low carbon construction industry in line with UK and Welsh Government targets."

(CD/GK)