Guilsfield-Welshpool road to close for seven weeks!

Motorists are being told that the main road between Welshpool and Guilsfield will be closed for up to seven weeks, with fears that known rat runs could become accident hot spots.

Hafren Dyfrdwy has confirmed that it needs the closure between the A490 junction of Windmill Lane, working along the A490 and stopping at the junction of the B4392 (Guilsfield turning) to carry out a £690,000 project to replace water pipes.

We have been told that the water provider is concerned that there is a significant leak beneath the road and that there is a high risk of water supply failure.

Emergency works will start next week, but Powys County Council has confirmed to MyWelshpool that a full closure will take place from October 20-December 5. The overall job will finish in February next year.

The official diversion sends motorists heading to Welshpool via Meifod to reach the town from the Llanfair Road, or to go via Arddleen from Guilsfield. And then vice versa. It’s an even longer diversion from Llanfyllin.

But local county councillor Ian Harrison fears local knowledge could end up creating chaos.

“The emergency works to our critical water infrastructure means that travel to and from Welshpool will be disrupted for an extended period in the lead up to Xmas,” he said.

“I ask residents to resist the temptation to use Folly Lane and Laundry Lane as rat runs. Rather, it would be best to divert through Arddleen to the main Oswestry road, or follow the formal diversion routes.

“Residents should plan for a significant increase in travel times and try to remain calm and always drive safely.

“Cyclists and pedestrians should try to avoid these traffic routes if at all possible. This disruption is going to test everyone’s patience.”

What Severn Trent has said (full details are being sent to residents by letter):

Why are we doing this work?

We know how important a reliable water supply is to you. From time to time, we need to upgrade older water pipes to prevent leaks and bursts —so you can enjoy fewer disruptions, stronger reliability, and wonderful water on tap for generations to come. That’s why we’re investing around £690k to install nearly 1.5km of brand-new water pipes in your area.

When and where is the work due to take place?

This work will start September 8 and is due to be completed by February 2026. We’ll start on the A490 at the Junction of Windmill Lane, working along the A490 stopping at the junction of the B4392.

Our team will be working in private land and in the highway.

We’ll try to stick to these dates, but they may change due to circumstances beyond our control.

More info can be found here – https://one.network/?GB145243847