January 2026
Improving Mid Wales Transport
Since I was elected to the Welsh Parliament, I have been campaigning for better transport infrastructure for Montgomeryshire. Good transport connections are key to improving the local economy which is why I actively campaigned for the Newtown bypass and a new Dyfi Bridge at Machynlleth.
It is reported that sadly Powys has one of the highest road accident rates leading to someone being killed or seriously injured on our roads per 100,000 population and I continue to campaign for other road improvement and safety schemes.
Road Improvements at A458 Middletown
There have sadly been several accidents on the A458 Welshpool to Shrewsbury road, including fatal accidents. This road needs to be made safer, and I believe there is a need for a scheme for this route.
This is an issue I have taken up with the Welsh Government Minister and with local Police regarding this stretch of road. I have met with Welsh Government Highways officials along with key representatives on site to discuss safety improvements. In a recent update in November (2025) the Transport Secretary, Ken Skates MS informed me that Welsh Government has completed a study to investigate measures to prevent overtaking. The study confirms there is a problem with re-occurring overtaking over the solid white line and are recommending:
1) Additional signage and road markings to reinforce the speed limit and presence of ‘hidden dips’, including extension of the solid white lines.
2) Refreshment of existing road markings and High Friction Surfacing.
3) Exploring CCTV solutions with analytics to support Operation Snap and automate detection of double white line violations.
I will continue to keep the pressure on this important issue along with Cllr Amanda Jenner and will do all that I can to make sure these safety measures are carried out to help improve safety at this location.
Pant–Llanymynech Bypass
The campaign for a Pant-Llanymynech bypass remains an important road improvement and safety scheme. The previous UK Government and the Welsh Government gave commitments to progressing the Pant/Llanymynech bypass. Highways England have been leading on the project development in consultation with Welsh Government transport officials. I have met with the then relevant UK Government Minister in Llanymynech. A bypass study had been commissioned. In a more recent update, the UK Government is still considering four options from the study for inclusion in their Roads Investment Strategy for the delivery of new road schemes from April 2025 – March 2030. Following the many accidents on this section of the road including Llynclys crossroads, I am aware National Highways have held a public meeting in Llanymynech in November to discuss safety upgrades along this route including improvements to the crossroads.
My hope is that the new UK Government will stand by earlier commitment to build a bypass and I continue to raise the scheme in the Senedd with the Cabinet Secretary on a regular basis.
Schemes at Caersws
There are other smaller road schemes proposed to resolve traffic flow and safety concerns including at Moat Lane crossing near Caersws with a proposed roundabout replacing the current junction. In a recent update I have received, the appraisal for the Moat Lane Junction has been completed and the Welsh Government intends to start a consultation on the safety options during 2026.
Also in Caersws, along with County Councillor Les George and others, I have been promoting a new footbridge over the river. The current bridge is dangerous for pedestrians crossing. Work to progress this scheme has been very slow and has been hampered along with other smaller projects due to Welsh Government putting a hold on the building of all new schemes previously. Welsh Government has confirmed more recently that they have met with Powys County Council to review their plans for a footbridge over the Caersws river and explore the alignment with the Moat Lane junction safety improvements. I am told that early indications suggest both schemes align well, this is indeed encouraging to hear at last.
I have been pressing for details to come forward on these proposals for some time, but information has been very vague and a reluctance to share the detail. I will continue to exert pressure for the information of these two schemes to come forward and to share with the local community.
I am hoping there will be some movement on both these important safety issues during 2026.
A483 between Abermule and Garthmyl
The section of the A483 along the canal has been restricted to a 30mph limit for some time due to a weak verge. In my view the restriction has been in place for far too long and I have been raising the need for repair works to strengthen the verge and the removal of the temporary restriction. In a further response I received in November from the Welsh Government, they confirmed the main barrier replacement works has been delayed due to the requirement for additional geotechnical surveys on the ground conditions. Work is set to be carried out by the end of March subject to a suitable solution being agreed with the Canal and River Trust.
A44 Llangurig to Aberystwyth
I have been calling for safety improvements along this route for many years which has one of the worst accident records in the UK. Welsh Government has at last recognised the need for improvements due to issues such as road safety, junction efficiency and the overall condition of the road. The Cabinet Secretary for Transport has confirmed to me in late 2025 that the Welsh Government are still developing a road safety solution for the A44 and will consult on the developed safety options this year. I will continue to work to make sure Ministers see improving this stretch of road as a priority.
Pontdolgoch Railway Bridge
I have raised the increasing number of accidents at Pontdolgoch bridge with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and to request Welsh Government along with Network Rail explore long term options for road improvements at this location. The bridge is no longer fit for purpose as it is too low for the height of HGV lorries. This was an issue during the closure of the road at Talerddig for lorries to access businesses, Newtown side of the closure.
In the response I received, it is good to hear that Welsh Government is already working with Network Rail on improvements to warning signage for the bridge and have confirmed they will explore longer term options for the bridge.
A better Rail Service
Sadly, the rail service we receive in Montgomeryshire continues to be poor with trains regularly being cancelled, delayed, or overcrowded. I have been continually raising concerns about the performance of Transport for Wales on the Cambrian Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury line and have been seeking assurances over commitments made by Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government.
A new fleet of trains is being built for the Cambrian Line to run on the unique signalling system. Unfortunately there have been delays, and I am told this is due to problems with the supply of components compatible with the signalling system. During a recent meeting I have had with the CEO of Transport for Wales, I was told that disappointingly the new rolling stock (train carriages) on the Cambrian Line had been delayed yet again. I was originally told the new stock would be coming online towards the end of 2023, that was delayed until Winter 2024 and I have been told because of delays with the supply of the carriages to TfW the new stock will not be available until later this year (2026). This is very disappointing when the new stock is already being used on the lines in other parts of Wales. I am assured these trains will run with faster acceleration, allowing services to meet the timetable more reliably. I continue to raise the frustration of this poor service and seek assurances that the new trains will indeed deliver a better service for us locally and I will continue to press upon Transport for Wales to introduce these new trains as soon as they possibly can.
Since the train collision in Talerddig it is frustrating there has been an increase in overcrowding, delayed trains, and ongoing train cancellations. I continue to raise these issues with Transport for Wales and have also raised in the Senedd Chamber with the new First Minister. I have also raised the maintenance issues regarding the bridge across the railway line at Welshpool and the responsibility for it, including keeping the bridge clear of litter and gritting it in the winter months. I am pleased to report that arrangements have been put into place for the maintenance and winter gritting of the bridge, ramp and footpath with signage placed near the footbridge with information/contact details to report issues of damage and litter etc.
It is good to see accessibility improvements have been carried out by Network Rail at Newtown Station, as part of the Department for Transport funded Access for All programme. The improvements include a new footbridge over the railway with lifts to access both sides of the platform, improved lighting, CCTV and a PA upgrade for train announcements at the station. This is of great benefit to disabled users and those with mobility issues, along with those with who have prams and pushchairs needing to access both platforms one and two. I am aware there have been issues with the lifts which I have taken up with Network Rail.