At least 12 months of essential utility works will be carried out along roads and streets throughout Newtown over the next 12 months causing traffic disruption, including the replacement of mains gas pipelines.
As reported by MyNewtown last month, the works by water and gas utilities had been put on hold while the bypass was built.
Powys County Council has confirmed work will now begin by the utility companies, including replacing mains gas pipes along Llanidloes Road, Dolfor Road and Plantation Lane during the summer months.
"Hafren Dyfrdwy (formerly Severn Trent) and Wales and West Utilities are planning major water mains/gas mains renewal works in Newtown now that the bypass is open," said a council statement.
"These works have been on hold for some considerable time due to the significant disruption that would have occurred without the bypass being in place.
"The majority of these works will be taking place in housing estates or along small residential streets so the impact of the works will be minimal.
"However, there will be works undertaken by Wales and West Utilities when they renew the gas mains along Llanidloes Road, Dolfor Road and Plantation Lane which will be more disruptive to local traffic.
"These works are planned to take place over the school summer holidays due to the immediate proximity of several schools."
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “With Newtown bypass opening, the main road through Newtown now becomes the council’s responsibility. Works to safeguard the condition of the highway asset will also be planned to be carried out in co-ordination with the utility works.
“However, before we undertake highway maintenance works, it is important that utility companies are able to carry out any essential works on their infrastructure. We have already been liaising with Hafren Dyfrdwy and Wales and West Utilities regarding what renewal works they have got in the pipeline over the next 12 months.
“We will continue to work closely with all utility company to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum. However, the opening of the bypass will reduce the impact of the town considerably when these works are carried out.”
