The Dyfi Bridge Steering Group will meet today (31st July) to discuss the recent announcement made by the Minister for Business, Transport and Science, in which she commits herself to funding further drainage study work on the Dyfi Bridge.
The meeting at Y Plas, follows a Written Ministerial Statement to the National Assembly of Wales by the Minister, Mrs. Edwina Hart AM, in which she identifies her key transport priorities following a short review of capital investment projects within her new portfolio.
In the statement Mrs. Hart says that she will be setting aside funding for ‘scheme developments’, to ensure that “we can progress the development of other schemes, which will include the next stages studies on improvements to the A494, the A40 and the Dyfi bridge.” She goes on to say that in addition, further study work on certain other pinch points will continue in the next year, specifically a “drainage study on the A487 Dyfi Bridge.”
Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, said that while he welcomed her commitment to push forward with the work, the importance of the project meant that action was required sooner rather than later.
He said:
“The previous minister dragged his feet on this issue for far too long, so I welcome the commitment from the new Minister, Mrs. Hart.
“However, while she has stated that a Dyfi Bridge Drainage Study will commence next year, I believe a major project of this importance requires urgent action sooner rather than later.
“A long-term, viable solution for the crossing has been eagerly anticipated by all the communities affected.
“We have the options on the table and it’s vital that Mrs Hart now engages in debate with the local community, to find out which one of these will lead to the most beneficial outcome.
"I hope to have a further meeting with the Minister shortly and I am keen to see her plans and understand the specific details of her proposals as soon as possible."
Machynlleth Town Councillor, Noella Elliott, who is also the Chair of the Dyfi Bridge Steering Group said:
“I welcome the commitment from the minister that funding has been set aside to explore the drainage issues but I am concerned that this is yet again, just another further study when action in needed.”