Wales set to complete £1.4Bn road project this summer

One of the UK’s largest and most ambitious road construction projects, the A465 (Hirwaun to Dowlais) upgrade, is on track for completion this summer, delivering vital connectivity, economic opportunities, and environmental enhancements.

Funded by the Welsh Government at a cost of £1.4 billion, the project will create a new 17.7km dual carriageway, 6.1km of sideroads, over 14km of active travel routes, 38 culverts, 30 new bridges, and 28 retaining walls. The scheme promises to reduce journey times, improve accessibility and road safety, and provide extra resilience for travelers and businesses.

Economic benefits for the region

The A465 project has brought significant economic growth and job creation to the region:

• Over 2,000 new jobs created, with more than half filled by local residents.
• 158 apprentices employed, nearly half from the Valleys region, supporting education and skills development.
• £200 million invested in the Valleys supply chain.
• 66 community initiatives supported and 22,000 hours of pupil engagement delivered to inspire the next generation.

Tony Gibbons, owner of family-run Atlas Groundworks Ltd, highlighted the project’s impact on local businesses: “This project has allowed us to grow and enhance our reputation in the construction industry. We’ve created jobs, improved skills, and expanded our services, which will have lasting benefits for our business and the community.”

Environmental enhancements

In addition to its economic impact, the A465 upgrade includes extensive measures to protect and enhance the environment:

• Species such as great crested newts and marsh fritillary butterflies have been relocated, with new habitats created to support them alongside bats, dormice, and lapwings.
• Ancient woodland topsoil and coppiced stools were relocated to safeguard biodiversity.
• 55,000 trees planted, with a total of 120,000 trees planned by the end of the programme.

Tim Wroblewski, Associate Director and Principal Environmental Planner for TACP (UK) Ltd, underscored the project’s commitment to sustainability: “We’ve implemented innovative mitigation measures to protect sensitive habitats and ensure a positive environmental legacy. It’s rewarding to see wildlife already benefiting from the new habitats.”

Engineering excellence in action

Transport and North Wales Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates praised the A465 project as a milestone in Welsh infrastructure: “This is one of the UK’s largest and most complex road projects, showcasing how targeted investment can deliver significant economic, environmental, and social benefits. I want to thank everyone involved for their dedication to overcoming challenges and delivering this remarkable engineering achievement.”

Transforming connectivity

Once completed, the A465 will connect communities across the Valleys, South and West Wales, and the English Midlands, transforming regional accessibility and providing a vital boost to the Welsh economy. This project exemplifies how modern infrastructure can simultaneously deliver improved mobility, job creation, and environmental stewardship.

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