Pressure mounts for road junction improvements

Improvements to a notorious road junction near Newtown might not be completed until 2026.

Calls have been made to improve the junction between the A470 and A489 at the Moat Lane railway crossing.

For years, it has been the scene of many traffic accidents, and there have been calls for a roundabout or other improvements.

It comes alongside a demand for a pedestrian footbridge over the River Severn close to the narrow road bridge which is dangerous for pedestrians crossing it.

Montgomeryshire Senedd Member Russell George has previously been assured that assessments on changes at the road crossing by the Welsh Government were being made, along with work on a bridge by Powys County Council.

In latest communications, Mr George said he had been assured both projects would move forward, but they would have to be considered as one to ensure works ran alongside each other.

He said: "The current bridge is dangerous for pedestrians crossing. Work to progress this scheme has been very slow and has been hampered along with other smaller projects due to Welsh Government putting a hold on the building of all new schemes, subject to their review. 

"Welsh Government has confirmed that proposals are currently being developed by Powys County Council for a new footbridge as part of UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. I have been pressing for details to come forward on these proposals but information to date has been very vague and there is a reluctance to share the detail."

He added: "I have also raised the safety of the pedestrian crossing by the crossroads with the Minister. A safety assessment of the pedestrian crossing has been undertaken but sadly, the Welsh Government’s view is to keep the crossing as it is and make some small improvements to the visibility of the crossing.

"I have pressed various Ministers responsible on schemes at Caersws.  A previous First Minister Mark Drakeford MS confirmed to me that the Moat Lane junction scheme will continue to develop, and that some of the more recent recommendations that include additional safety and active travel elements will need to be planned into the project, he did further point out that like all schemes, it inevitably has to meet the same tests as any other road scheme, and then of affordability.

"In an update in Autumn (2024) from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, it was confirmed to me that Welsh Government officials are considering improvements to the junction layout and the road section leading to the river bridge where a tie in with the Powys County Council proposal to provide a separate footbridge over the river may be required. 

"Subject to a preferred road improvement option a detailed design will follow and work could possibly commence in 2026/2027."