£19 million Welsh Assembly boost for Penblewin to Slebech Park bypass

The cash will help pay for improvement of a 2.5km section along the A40 from Penblewin to Slebech Park, including a bypass for the village of Robeston Wathen.

For the first time in Wales, the road will include an innovative ’2+1’ overtaking layout, where the central lane of the three-lane road becomes an alternating overtaking lane controlled by road marking.

The bypass will provide additional overtaking opportunities helping to improve journey times and reduce traffic noise for local residents, says the Welsh Assembly government.

This latest funding will form part of an overall £37 million investment already committed by the assembly to improve journey times and road safety along the route, which serves as a vital link with west Wales, Ireland, the UK motorway, the trunk road network and Europe.

Deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones - who is also the Welsh economy and transport minister - announced the cash injection, which has come from EU convergance funding.

"The new bypass will also help improve quality of life for people living in Robeston Wathen and deliver access to jobs and services along this important east/west corridor in south west Wales," he said.

The scheme will also help develop around 1km of additional footpaths linking with existing public paths and bridleways via two underpasses either side of Canaston Bridge that can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Other works being undertaken as part of the scheme include the provision of improved road drainage which will reduce the risk of contamination to the Eastern Cleddau river.

The minister added: "The provision of underpasses and new footpaths will facilitate increased walking, cycling and equestrian activities in the area, benefiting businesses, communities and individuals alike.

“Improving the efficiency of our road network is essential to achieve a more sustainable transport system – a key priority of the One Wales agreement."