Proposals to dual the 7.8km stretch have been given the go ahead by Wales’ transport minister Carl Sargeant.
Completion is expected by 2015.
The decision to proceed with Section 3 of the A465 dualling scheme will see improvements 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. Work includes:
- upgrading the existing three lane road to a dual carriageway with grade separated free flowing junctions
- a 3km surfaced cycleway
- a rest area at Garn Lydan with extended parking, tourist information and viewpoints towards the Valleys Regional Park and Brecon Beacons National Park.
Mr Sargeant said: "The A465 is a crucial artery of our transport network and the principal road link between West Wales and the Midlands. Dualling the Heads of the Valleys road will help improve safety, shorten travel times for commuters and businesses and contribute to the wider regeneration of the region.
“An improved Heads of the Valleys route will also play a role in tackling poverty for the region by improving links to key sites within education, health centres and jobs.”
The decision to proceed with Section 3 dualling was taken following a public inquiry in March.
Carillion was appointed contractor for the project in March 2010. It is supported by Arup as consulting engineer and TACP as landscape architects / environmental consultant.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
