Welsh local authorities are bracing themselves for a block on new road schemes listed in a five-year regional transport plan (RTP).
South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA), representing 10 authorities, submitted its RTP to the Welsh Assembly Government on Wednesday, after several years of preparation, which included reducing councils’ wish lists to 15 new roads and other highway schemes.
In the new year, SEWTA will learn how much RTP funding the assembly will provide. It expects the new roads will be unaffordable and the focus will be on numerous small schemes, including highway modifications to make better use of existing infrastructure.
Earlier this week, Vale of Glamorgan councillors were told SEWTA would examine alternatives to the planned Dinas Powys bypass, one of SEWTA’s 15 proposed schemes. ‘Legacy’ road schemes from Welsh councils’ current programmes will be funded separately.
The M4 relief road and other major trunk-road schemes in south and north-east Wales are already abandoned. An assembly spokesman said: ‘The SEWTA region already has a number of local road schemes in the current programme that we will continue to support.
‘However, we are now asking the consortia to develop a more integrated approach to any new road schemes, and show how they will also offer opportunities for walking, cycling and public transport interchanges rather than road-only schemes.’
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
