Calls for more improvements on Powys roads have been made on the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Newtown bypass.

Montgomeryshire MS Russell George has said the bypass has made a significant difference to the region and there are now other road improvement schemes needed.  

According to Mr George, the multi-million-pound bypass which was 70 years in the making, has transformed the region.

“Good transport connections are key to improving the local economy which is why I actively campaigned for the Newtown bypass and continue to campaign for other important road improvement schemes as well as improving road safety," said Mr George.

In March 2011, Mr George handed in a 10,000 strong petition to the then National Assembly for Wales which called for the Newtown Bypass to be built. Construction of the bypass began in February 2016.

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The Newtown Bypass was designed to divert traffic away from the town centre, and to improve local traffic flow and make for smoother transit for long-distance travellers.

“The bypass has been positive for Newtown and towns like Llanidloes and Machynlleth. Since the bypass opened, there have been other important schemes that have been delivered, such as the Dyfi bridge,” added Mr George.

“The new Dyfi bridge is now improving the reliability of crossing the River Dyfi for the people of Machynlleth and the surrounding areas.

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“I continue to lobby the Welsh Government for other road improvements at Caersws, and a road improvement scheme is greatly needed on the A44 Llangurig to Aberystwyth to improve safety.

“We also need to see greater priority to road repairs, such as repairing the Road Collapse at Talerddig.

“I am also working with MP Craig Williams on several cross-border issues. There have sadly been several accidents on the A458 Welshpool to Shrewsbury road, including a fatal accident towards the end of 2023.

“This road needs to be made safer and I believe there is a need for a scheme for this route, and not to mention the need for a Pant–Llanymynech Bypass”.