Road junction re-opened because gas work hasn't started

A road junction closed for essential gas pipeline work in Newtown has been re-opened because work hasn’t actually started there.

The entrance to Park Street was closed to allow excavation of the pipeline. But Cllr Joy Jones asked for it to be re-opened as the work wasn’t actually taking place.

It is understood the work will begin in that area on Monday.

It comes after more than a week of congestion along Llanidloes Road and New Road after work began along Dolfor Road on the pipeline work.

Cllr Joy Jones said:  “The gas pipe renewal near the junction to Dolfor Road, near Lidl, has been causing traffic delays. Yesterday they closed the entrance to Park Street which added to the congestion and delays.

“But as there was no work being done yet at the junction, I requested that they re-open the junction until the work starts, this was agreed.

“The public need to be aware of Wales and West Utilities will require the entrance lane on Park Street junction to be temporarily closed from August 5 to August 16 as part of the gas mains renewal.”

Cllr David Selby added: “I have asked the Traffic Team to see if the light phases can be changed to reduce the queues.

“They are being monitored and the Lidl traffic light has been removed which should reduce the delays along New Road and Llanidloes Road. This lights will be brought back at some time.”

A spokesman for Powys County Council, said: “Hafren Dyfrdwy and Wales & West Utilities are planning major water mains / gas mains renewal works in Newtown now, that  have been on hold for some considerable time.

“This was due to the significant disruption that would have occurred without the bypass being in place.

“However, there will be works done by Wales & 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, (Conservative-Blaen Hafren) said: “With Newtown by-pass 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 any 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 & West Utilities regarding what renewal works they have got in the pipeline over the next 12 months.”

By MyNewtown Editorial and Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Photo: Llanidloes Road (library photo)