Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has called for clarity on major roadworks in Monmouthshire.
The A4042, which runs through the counties of Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Newport, is due to see both its northbound and southbound sections closed for around six months due to major roadworks, with the traffic order in place for a maximum of 18 months.
The impacted stretch will run between Mamhilad Roundabout, north of Pontypool, to the Hardwick Interchange at Abergavenny, a stretch of over 7.5 miles. Motorists are being warned to expect significant disruption during the period.
Following correspondence from concerned residents and businesses, Mr Fox will be writing to the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport to urgently raise concerns.
The Monmouth MS will highlight the works will impact businesses, especially hospitality businesses along the road, without any prior communication or impact assessments appearing to be made by the Welsh Government.
Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has said:
“These works appear to have come out of nowhere, with businesses and locals quite rightly taken by surprise.
“There will be long diversions, speed reductions to 10mph, and general closures for up to six months, although I think everyone will be mindful this timeframe will likely slip.
“The impact on those who use the road daily will be immense, and I hope the reasoning for such a major closure and upheaval is just.
“I will be writing to the Welsh Government for an update on the works to understand the reasoning for them, and to see what impact assessments were undertaken, especially for businesses, as it appears this was not done, nor was any prior communication made.
“I will monitor this situation very closely and will do whatever I can to support the local communities impacted by these works, whilst holding the Welsh Government to account.”
