MOTORISTS heading through Newtown town centre could be set for summer delays, as a backlog of roadworks is carried out following the opening of the Newtown Bypass.

Projects to replace water and gas mains on Llanidloes Road, Dolfor Road and Plantation Lane, are set to get underway over the next six months, as well as work already underway on Pool Road, with motorists being warned to expect some disruption as the new pipework is completed.

A contraflow is currently in operation on the A483 Pool Road near Morrisons as works to widen the existing footpath and incorporate a new refuge on the road, to tie in with a new walking and cycle bridge over the River Severn, are completed.

And water company Hafren Dyfrdwy plans to close the road down to one lane again on April 9 to carry out pipework repairs at a nearby location.

From May 18, Wales & West Utilities Ltd plans to start work on Llanidloes Road between Oakfield Terrace and the traffic light junction with Dolfor Road to replace pipework under the road surface, with delays expected.

Dolfor Road will then be closed for more than a month while similar works are carried out, although the company says a diversion will be in place.

Wales & West Utilities operational manager for Powys, Nick Williams, said they would be working hard to complete the works as quickly as possible.

“We will be working in the Llanidloes Road area of Newtown to upgrade more than 1.5k of old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones. This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“We will start work on Llanidloes Road on 18 May at its junction with Oakfield Terrace and continue working down the road until we reach Dolfor Road. We will then work along Dolfor Road during July and August up to its junction with Plantation Lane. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete our work in August 2019.

“In agreement with Powys County Council, and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, Dolfor Road will be closed at its junction with Llanidloes Road from July 22 to August 30. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

“Where possible, we always plan our works to take place during school holidays in order to minimise the disruption to local residents. We know working on roads like these is not ideal, but this work really is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“We’re working hard to make sure that the work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible, and we really appreciate the patience of local people.”

Powys County Council says the roadworks planned for Newtown are essential following the opening of the town’s bypass, and added that a number of schemes have been delayed allowing for the construction of the route to minimise disruption to residents.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “With Newtown bypass 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 we undertake 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 and West Utilities regarding what renewal works they have got in the pipeline over the next 12 months.

“We will continue to work closely with all utility company to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum. However, the opening of the bypass will reduce the impact of the town considerably when these works are carried out.”

A council statement added: “The majority of the works will be taking place in housing estates or along small residential streets, so the impact of the works will be minimal.

“However, there will be works undertaken by Wales and 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.”