Watch out for delays today for windfarm test run

Welshpool commuters face delays today (Thursday) as energy bosses and the police stage a trial run of vehicles from Goole to Cefn Coch as part of the Tirgwynt windfarm scheme.

Energy bosses Awel Newydd Cyf, the developers of the windfarm between Carno and Cefn Coch, have announced that a trial run for delivering the turbine components to the site will be held today and will pass through Welshpool around 12-30pm.

Street bollards near the Railway Station and at the Jehu Road junction have been removed and parking restrictions imposed around the main junctions to help the convoy of unladen lorries to pass through the town centre.

The vehicles, which will carry turbine parts up to 17 metres in length, are being sent along the route – which includes Welshpool – to iron out any problems that could arise when they are loaded up with equipment later this summer.

The convoy consisting of two abnormal load simulation vehicles with a full police escort to create a sense of how the convoy of vehicles will work, will start from Goole in Yorkshire, travelling along major trunk roads.

It will make its way to Mid Wales from Pant, travelling south along the A483 to Welshpool, then following the A458 and B4385 to the site entrance just beyond Cefn Coch.

Awel Newydd said it has been in discussion with the police forces involved as well as highways to ensure that the safety of road users is maintained and disruption is minimised.

The convoy is expected to leave Wrexham at about 11am and pass through Welshpool town centre arund 12-15 to 12-30pm, depending on traffic conditions on the day.

Andy Black, director at Awel Newydd Cyf, said: “In preparation for the turbine deliveries we’ve completed a detailed analysis of the route and undertaken various permanent roadworks to facilitate the safe delivery of the wind turbine components.

“This has included highway widening works and new passing places which will also benefit local residents and improve the roads for other large vehicles such as tractors, horse boxes and caravans in the future.

“The convoys will have a full police escort, which is funded by us, to ensure the safety of all road users.”

Mr Black added: “The test run to Tirgwynt is the final stage of proving the route following completion of the road works and to ensure everyone involved is familiar with it before the deliveries to the windfarm begin towards the end of July.”