Work to build a new 2.1km carriageway on the A470 at Maes yr Helmau – Cross Foxes has started.

The £11.3m scheme, just to the east of Dolgellau and within the Snowdonia National Park, improves the existing substandard section of the Cardiff to Glan Conwy trunk road and enhance safety for users.

Combined with works to improve the A477 St. Clears to Red Roses (£56.7m) that started mid February and the (£8.6m) A470 Gelligemlyn works that is due to start in April the Welsh Government has pumped over £76m into improving the transport infrastructure across Wales over the last few weeks.


Minister with responsibility for Transport, Carl Sargeant, said: "The start of works on the A470 at Maes yr Helmau is testimony to our commitment to improving our transport infrastructure across Wales.

"Despite a very tough financial settlement we're putting considerable investment into schemes that will deliver our vision of a modern and sustainable transport system for Wales.

"Transport is vital to our lives and getting our approach to transport right is critical for sustained economic growth in Wales.

"In addition to further improving our transport infrastructure in Wales each of these schemes will provide a direct boost to the local economy by providing local employment and training opportunities during construction."

With 12 sharp bends and poor visibility this substandard section of the A470 route at Maes yr Helmau has been high on the Welsh Government’s list of priorities for trunk road improvements in Wales.

The new road will be constructed for the Welsh Government by Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd.

(CD/GK)