Work on £50m Porthmadog bypass begins

Feb 4 2010

WORK on a £50m bypass was officially launched last week by Wales’ transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.

The Porthmadog, Minffordd and Tremadog bypass will cut journey times and improve environmental conditions as well as easing the increasingly heavy congestion within the area.

Porthmadog FC’s ground at Y Traeth hosted an opening ceremony on Friday, which included dignitaries, community leaders and representatives from local schools and the business community. As he planted a tree to mark the occasion, Mr Jones said: "The A487 is a vital route for travelling between North and South Wales, as well as being a key connection between the towns and villages of the area.

"This new bypass should help ease congestion and shorten travel times between North and South. We have been waiting for this new road for an awfully long time. I remember some of my colleagues pushing to build a bypass in this area as far back as the 1970s. The local officials who have continued to campaign for it should be commended."

Mr Jones added: "The Assembly Government project will not only be a boost to Porthmadog and the local economy, but also the North Wales contractors who will be working on the road.

Mr Jones added: "This investment is another example of our One Wales commitment to improving transport links in Wales and cutting carbon emissions by reducing congestion."

Louis Naudi, owner of the Royal Sportsman Hotel, and a director and committee member of the Porthmadog Chamber of Trade & Commerce said: "By and large it is to be welcomed and there is much support in the town for it, although there are also concerns from high street traders that passing trade will fall."

Mr Naudi pointed to the traffic jams in the area over the peak summer season, and said that it detracted from the towns appeal. He added: "One of Porthmadog's greatest assets is its location as a place to stay and be able to go out on day trips to Llyn and Snowdonia.

"The bypass will alleviate some major problems, especially as through traffic can now avoid the town. Many customers who come to Porthmadog travel from as far as Bala, Tywyn, even Aberystwyth, and come here to shop and as a day out. I have often heard such visitors say that they keep away from Porthmadog during the summer months due to the congestion.

"From a personal point of view, rather than a Chamber view, I am yet to be convinced that it will have the impact stated in all of the studies but I nevertheless would support any initiative that reduces traffic, congestion and pollution."

Porthmadog Town Council chairman Selwyn Griffiths was enthusiastic about the project.

He said: "We have worked tirelessly for a number of years to try and improve the traffic congestion at Porthmadog, Tremadog and Minffordd, so this is a great day for the community, for businesses and for visitors to the area.

"On a local level, I’m keen to ensure we set up a community liaison group with my fellow councillors and contractors Balfour Beatty and Jones Bros of Ruthin, so any issues of concern are discussed and resolved.

"It’s a momentous day, and we look forward to seeing the new road take shape during the coming months."