Following the publication of the Welsh Government budget for 2020-21, Mark Valentine, growth director based in the Wrexham office of engineering professional services consultancy WSP, has identified the major Welsh transport infrastructure projects that are set to reshape North Wales for future generations.
He said: “In the first Welsh Budget since last year’s climate emergency declaration, the £20bn funding commitment for the 2020-21 period is encouraging in that it outlined spending increases across every Welsh Government department, with major cash injections promised to infrastructure and transport schemes across Wales.
“Capital investment into the economy and transport received a significant uplift, with tens of millions of additional spending directed towards developing future ready infrastructure schemes, as well as updating existing ageing infrastructure enabling it to cope with greater population density, changes in mobility and the realities of climate change.”
Roads
Mr Valentine said: “Extra roads can reduce congestion and thus improve air quality, and indeed greater connectivity within Wales’ regions increases the opportunity for the roll out of hybrid and electric vehicles, which the Welsh Government is keen to promote. Crucially, like rail connections and metro lines, new and better roads help unlock communities and act as a catalyst for regeneration, pushing investment into the areas which really need it.
“Roads due for upgrades and extensions within the planned infrastructure pipeline include the new £42m A487 Dyfi Bridge which will deliver a resilient trunk road scheme in a flood prone area; the current £135m A487 Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass for which WSP are lead designers.
"The £130m A55 Third Menai Crossing; and the £300m upgrades to the A55/A494/A458 Flintshire Corridor, which will see the improvement of approximately 7.5 miles of carriageway between Queensferry and Northop to address traffic congestion, resilience and safety issues in the Deeside area.
"WSP are currently working with North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA) and Welsh Government to review the long-term resilience of the A55 across North Wales.”
Multi Modal Transport
Mr Valentine said: “Of course, updates to Wales’ transport infrastructure needs to be about more than upgrading and building roads, especially given decarbonising the way we travel will be crucial in helping the Welsh Government meet the recommendations by the Committee on Climate Change that it should deliver a 95% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
"The Welsh Government has made its commitment to significantly upgrading the country’s public transportation network very clear, yet even with much-needed investment poured into transforming the way we move around Wales, it could still take some years to experience these positive impacts.
“Exciting work is already underway, however. The North Wales Metro will be a major transport scheme for future benefit to the region and one that will bring multi-million pound investment.
"Its ambition is clear: to make travel easier and faster within the north east region, from the coast to Wrexham, Deeside and Merseyside beyond. It’s a vital part of the Welsh Government’s vision to develop the economy of the region and ensure links with the developing Northern Powerhouse.
“It will facilitate further investment in the region as part of the Welsh Government National Development Framework which identifies Wrexham and Deeside as strategic areas for growth.
"A funding total for the North Wales Metro has yet to be officially confirmed, however in December the Welsh Government underlined their commitment to the project with a £20m boost as part of its draft budget.”
Active travel
Mr Valentine said: “Walking and cycling have become an important part of urban planning, particularly in Wales where local authority consideration of active travel became law in 2013 via the Active Travel Act – the first of its kind in the world.
“Active transportation planning and design can reduce demand for road infrastructure, improve multi-modal network performance, enhance safety and reduce construction and maintenance costs of traditional vehicle-oriented roads, and support the development of vibrant communities.
"Given this, it is little wonder that the Welsh Government is leaning heavily towards promoting active travel methods and backing it up with tens of millions of pounds to improve the necessary infrastructure.”
