The Newtown bypass, or at least part of it, could open within weeks, instead of the current expectation of May.
More than 90 per cent of the road's surface has now been laid, with road markings, barriers, signs and lighting all currently being installed, according to Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George.
He has welcomed the "sacrifice" many landowners have made to make way for the road that he says will bring economic prosperity to the region and relieve Newtown of traffic congestion.
"In just a few weeks’ time, we will see the long-awaited opening of the Newtown bypass, 75 years after the need for a bypass was first suggested," said Mr George.
"This will be a momentous occasion and I would like to thank the many people, too numerous to mention, who have played a part in bringing about the bypass, which I believe has the potential to transform the economy of towns such as Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth.
"The bridges are now complete and over 90% of the surfacing has been laid with road markings, barriers, signs and lighting all being installed.
"An incredible 6.2 km of hedgerow, almost 89,000 plants and 195 trees have also been planted which illustrates the scale of this feat of engineering and an outstanding achievement for all concerned."
He added: "Many people who live near the new bypass and construction sites have been disadvantaged over the past three years and some landowners have had to give up land belonging to their families for generations in order to allow the project to proceed.
"It has to be acknowledged that balancing the needs of the project and respecting the views of landowners was always going to be challenging, but I know that I, along with many others, would want to acknowledge the sacrifices that have been made."
Mr George said: "I am pleased to have seen how the contractors have sought to engage with local educational establishments over the past 3 years, and how they have looked to protect and improve the environment around Newtown by creating a number of new woodland habitats.
"For a major project like this to be completed within three years from start to finish is amazing in itself, and while the contractors say that there is still work to complete at Dolfor Road, there is an expectation that work to allow the opening of the bypass will be completed over the next few weeks, ready for the first vehicles to use the bypass.
"However, it’s important to keep in mind that there will still be other construction works such as landscaping that will continue after the bypass has been opened.
"As this major construction project continues, there will inevitably be some disruption, but I firmly believe that when it is completed, it will serve to resolve local traffic congestion issues, improve school safety, improve response times of the emergency services and support tourism and the wider Mid Wales economy.
"As such, I am very much looking forward to it opening very soon."
Photo: Former First Minister Carwyn Jones AM on the Newtown bypass during the summer
