Town's positive reaction to bypass opening date

With the Newtown bypass set to open on 14 February, reaction to the news from residents and businesses has been overwhelming.

The majority of people believe the bypass will enhance the town, allowing residents and businesses to drive more easily around the town instead of facing congestion and sometimes up to an hour in the peak holidays to get from one end of town to the other.

Businesses and trade groups also believe the bypass will make Newtown a destination for shoppers as it was years ago.

Social media has been buzzing since the news broke on Monday.

The long-awaited by-pass will not only provide a huge economic boost to Newtown but it is good news for the whole of Mid Wales at a vital time, said County Councillor Rosemarie Harris.
 
“The new by-pass will improve transport links for businesses right across the region and improve access to and from important markets to the east of the town. Improved transport links have been rightly identified as a vital component in the Mid Wales economic strategy and the opening of the by-pass ahead of schedule is a bonus,” she said.
 
“I was delighted to lead a trade delegation of Mid Wales businesses to the Senedd last week to highlight the economic ambitions and investment aspirations of the region to the Welsh Government.

“Organised by the Growing Mid Wales Partnership the event showcased the uniqueness of the region and promote the region’s industries including Powys-built hydrogen powered cars, world class research facilities at Aberystwyth, and regionally important businesses for the rural economy and tourism.

“It also promoted the huge economic opportunities across the region and underline the need for public investment and a Growth Deal for Mid Wales.

“It was a great opportunity for businesses to engage with key decision makers in Welsh Government and the Mid Wales economy and to build links with businesses across Wales and the South.

“The new by-pass will be a boost for people looking to live, work or even locate their business in Mid Wales,” she added.

Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George said: “I firmly believe that the Newtown Bypass 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 the opening day."

It is not yet known if a formal opening event will be held on the 14 February or if such an event will happen at a later date.

Contractors are today still painting road markings and erecting signs along the road.

It is understood landscaping of the areas of the bypass will continue over the next few months, including at areas around the main roundabouts and junctions.

Photo: The Newtown bypass (Powys County Council)