Work to the first two phases of a new active travel route in Llandrindod Wells will begin next week (24 October 2022).
The route between Llandrindod Wells and Howey was identified and agreed following previous consultations on the county’s Active Travel Network Maps and has been out for consultation online for the past 12 months. With Welsh Government funding, the first two phases of the new route will begin at the Auto Palace roundabout and continue to just after Grosvenor Road.
The works to the first two phases heading towards Howey, will include widening and improving the surfaces of the pavements to become an accessible shared-use path, improvements to junctions in-line with the new highway code rules, ensuring priority is given to both pedestrians and cyclists, and increased safety for all road users.
Commissioned by North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency (NMWTRA) and funded by Welsh Government, the works to begin these improvements will start on 24 October 2022 and are scheduled to be complete early in the new year. Traffic lights will be in place whilst the upgrades to the route are carried out. Care will be taken to avoid works already taking place at the Auto Palace and surrounding area. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works.
At times, the parking spaces along Temple Street will be temporarily removed. Residents currently using these spaces are invited to apply for a short-term permit to park in the council owned carpark behind the Auto Palace. However, spaces are limited and will only be made available to residents of Temple Street on a first come, first served, basis. To apply for a short-term permit, residents will need to email their name, address and car registration details to [email protected] Further details will be sent direct to the affected homes.
“Following consultation and the development of the county’s Active Travel Network Maps, it is exciting to be able to see our next set of active travel schemes in Llandrindod Wells come to fruition.” Says Cllr Jackie Carlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.
“The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation. These routes will improve road, pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly for families walking to and from school.
“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating at times, especially on busy trunk roads, but the creation of these accessible shared-use routes will ultimately encourage more of us to make shorter journeys, such as our commute to work, school or local shops, by physically active means, like walking or cycling, meaning less cars on the road.
“The continuation of the widened paths will create a network of safe routes within the town, allowing the community to confidently choose to walk or cycle rather than using the car, improving our health and wellbeing as well as reducing our carbon footprint and going someway to help combat climate change.”
Once completed in its entirety, the route will form an important active travel connection between Howey and Llandrindod Wells and be another major step towards completing the local active travel network – enabling journeys within the town and to/from outlying settlements to be undertaken by foot or bicycle.
