A YEAR DELAY FOR BYPASS
Now opening in 2019
AM hopes work goes smoothly:
A PROJECT to build a major bypass in Gwynedd is set to get underway next year.
But work on the Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass will come a year later than planned, beginning in autumn 2017 with the bypass opening by late 2019.
Construction on the route was expected to start in late 2016 with the scheme finished by the end of 2018.
But the project has experienced delays because of concerns over how best to accommodate bats and otters, both protected species, on the route.
The Welsh Government has previously denied there were “huge delays” in the project.
Peter Evans, Protected Species Officer for Natural Resources Wales, has previously said they were concerned as the proposed bypass was a migration route for animals like the otter and the Lesser AM says delay is a disappointment but hopes much needed bypass work progresses very smoothly Ben Butler Horseshoe bats, both protected species.
Arfon Assembly Member Sian Gwenllian said the delay to the scheme was “disappointing.”
Siân Gwenllian AM said: “The twelve month delay to this scheme is disappointing but I now hope that work on this much-needed bypass will progress as smoothly as possible from now on.
“It is very important that local businesses can get involved during the building stage and that as many extra workers as possible are recruited locally.
“I have asked the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure at the Welsh Government, Ken Skates, for a detailed report on how the Government intends to ensure LOCAL procurement of services for any sub-contracts that may be advertised by the main contractors.
“I would hope that ‘meet-thebuyer’events are being planned and that local companies are encouraged to submit joint contracts for additional work that needs to be commissioned.”
Orders detailing the project have now been made public, with an orders exhibition planned for autumn this year.
A local public inquiry may also be required in the winter and spring of 2017.
The 9.8km bypass will begin at the A499/A487 Goat roundabout and end at the existing Plas Menai roundabout.
It will form a western bypass to Llanwnda, Dinas and Bontnewydd, before crossing the existing A487 to pass south of Caernarfon quarry and over the River Seiont. The new route then passes south of Cibyn Industrial Estate to a junction with the A4086.
The Welsh Government have been approached for comment.