Dualling of the Brynmawr to Tredegar section of the A465 Heads of the Valleys took a major step forward with confirmation that almost £82m of European money has been granted for the scheme.

With the additional European funding secured the Welsh Government will now move to the next stage of the project and give Carillion the green light to start construction.

This funding comes following the earlier announcement in the 2013-14 Draft Budget that the same section of the A465 will also benefit from an additional capital investment of £40m.

The scheme, which will help reduce congestion, alleviate the current issues of poor visibility, lack of overtaking opportunities and accident hotspots on the A465, will include:


•Realigning 4.7km of the current route with an upgrade of 3.1km of the existing three lane road to form a dual carriageway with grade separated free flowing junctions

•A total of 4km of additional cycle routes provided by the project with further enhancements to the old A465 for the benefit of the local community

•A rest area at Garn Lydan with extended parking, tourist information and viewpoints towards the Valleys Regional Park and Brecon Beacons National Park

The decision to proceed with Section 3 of the A465 dualling scheme will see improvements to the 7.8km route which extends from the north of the A465 roundabout at Brynmawr and tie in with the previously improved A465 immediately to the west of Nant-y-Bwch junction at Tredegar.

Carl Sargeant said: "The A465 is a crucial artery of our transport network and the principal road link between West Wales and the Midlands.”

"But this scheme isn't just about improving a road.

"In addition to improving safety and shortening travel times for commuters and businesses, dualling the Heads of the Valleys road will also contribute to the wider regeneration of the region.

"An improved Heads of the Valleys route will play a role in tackling poverty for the region by improving links to key sites within education, health centres and jobs."

(CD)