The A465 road expansion between Hirwaun and Dowlais, one of Wales’s most significant infrastructure projects, is on track for completion this summer. Initiated in 2021, the £1.4 billion project aims to transform the existing roadway into a dual carriageway, enhancing accessibility, reducing journey times, and improving road safety.
Upon completion, the project will deliver 17.7 km of new dual carriageway, 6.1 km of side roads, over 14 km of active travel routes, 38 culverts, 30 bridges, and 28 retaining walls. The upgraded A465 will feature a 70 mph speed limit and six junctions designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Transport Minister Ken Skates has highlighted the project’s substantial economic impact, noting the creation of over 2,000 jobs, with more than half of the workforce sourced locally. Additionally, the initiative has provided training opportunities for 158 apprentices, nearly half of whom are from the valleys region.
Environmental conservation has been a key focus, with efforts including the relocation of species such as great crested newts and marsh fritillary butterflies, the creation of habitats for bats, dormice, and lapwings, and the planting of approximately 120,000 trees in the local area.
The Welsh Government emphasizes that the A465 project not only enhances infrastructure but also supports education, skills development, and environmental preservation. Minister Skates acknowledges the project’s complexity and commends the collaborative efforts that have brought this extensive road scheme to fruition.
As the project nears completion, the improved A465 route is anticipated to significantly boost transportation efficiency and safety in the region. This development reflects Wales’s commitment to integrating economic growth with environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure endeavours.
