22/5/2008

Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones today officially opened a new section of dual carriageway on the Heads of the Valleys road.

Mr Jones, who is also Minister for Economy and Transport, unveiled a plaque to mark the dualling of a 6 kilometre stretch of the A465 from Abergavenny to Gilwern.

This is the second of six contracts to dual this important road between Abergavenny and Hirwaun. The first section between Tredegar to Dowlais Top was opened in November 2004. The project is designed to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety on the road.

Mr Jones said: "I am delighted that the latest section of our project to dual the A465 has been completed. This project represents a major investment in the economic regeneration of the area.

"This is an important step in the Welsh Assembly Government’s aim of improving the quality of life and prosperity of the South Wales Valleys in line with our ‘One Wales’ programme of government - as a Minister I attach great priority to improving the A465.

"The Heads of the Valleys road is part of the Trans European Road Network – an important strategic route through to West Wales and Ireland and a key element in the Assembly Government’s overall plans for regeneration of the Valleys.

"Providing a high standard road between Abergavenny and Hirwaun – a distance of some 40km – is a significant component of delivering our objective to strengthen the Heads of the Valleys corridor as an attractive location for development and support economic regeneration."