The £800m Heads of the Valleys road enlargement scheme reached an important hurdle on Monday as a new stretch of dual carriageway was officially opened.
Minister for Economy, Science and Transport Edwina Hart opened the third section of the newly enlarged A465, a project that has cost £158m and is hoped will improve safety and journey times, as well as boosting the region’s economy.
The new 4.8m stretch, which runs through Blaenau Gwent from Brynmawr to Tredegar, was joint funded by the European Union and the Welsh Government and it is hoped the changes will deal with the road’s notorious poor visibility, congestion, lack of overtaking opportunities and safety problems.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister unveiled a plaque and planted a tree with student Ambassadors from both phases of Ebbw Fawr Learning Community.
Director Graeme Harkness explained how the students became involved
“We have been working closely with Carillion PLC who have managed the road project as one of our Business in the Community Partners. Students have visited the site on several occasions and have worked closely with staff throughout the project”
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