Mr. Clifford Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales in view of the heavy road traffic on the A467 highway 81W from Newport to Brynmawr and of the need to provide transport facilities for future industrial expansion in the Abertillery constituency, a special development area, what study he is making of alternative routes and means of communication to ensure the carriage of manufactured and general goods, and for future industry in the area.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe A467 is a principal road and primarily the responsibility of the local highway authorities. A major improvement was recently completed between Crumlin and Pant Bridge at a cost of over £460,000 towards which I gave a 75 per cent. grant. The improvement is to be continued southwards to Cross Keys in three stages over the next two to three years at an estimated cost of over £1.2 million.
Following the completion of a project study the Monmouthshire County Council expects to start shortly a major land use transportation study which will indicate the needs and priorities for further improvements of the roads in the county including the A467 road.