Works to provide major upgrades to the A4119 in Wales have started today.
The scheme – backed by more than £11m from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund – will create a dual carriageway along a 1.5km (0.9-mile) route from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters Roundabout to the Coed-Ely Roundabout.
The road is a vital link to the M4 and the Rhondda Valleys, but currently overcapacity and congested.
The new scheme is reportedly set to reduce average travel time along the A4119 between Ynys Maerdy and Coedely by more five minutes – a reduction of over 60%.
According to the government, planned works are expected to support the creation of thousands of jobs by improving access to Cardiff and key development sites such as the Llantrisant Business Park, and generate an estimated £30m for the local community.
A new route for pedestrians and cyclists will also be built along the west of the carriageway, from Coed-Ely Roundabout to Llantrisant Business Park, as well as a brand-new bridge south of Coed-Eely roundabout, encouraging more commuters to choose to walk or cycle.
UK roads minister Baroness Vere said: “Local schemes like this will transform journeys for communities and bring many benefits, from easing congestion and improving air quality, to improving access to employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
“The £11.4m provided for the A4119 will future-proof connections to South Wales and the Rhondda Valleys for years to come.”
Some £11.4m of the scheme’s total cost has come from the government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund, as announced by the Chancellor at Budget.
