Guilsfield road latest: “We hope the closure can be lifted Wednesday”

There is some promising news developing this morning that the A490 Welshpool-Guilsfield Road could well be back open tomorrow (Wednesday).

Motorists have been sent on chaotic diversions of up to 26 miles since the road closed last week, and this morning a broken-down lorry is blocking one of the alternative lanes that is being used.

But MyWelshpool has spoken to both Powys County Council and Hafren Dyfrdwy, who are carrying out the pipe replacement work, to receive some encouraging news.

Whilst we await final confirmation from Hafren Dyfrdwy who are looking into it, a spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “We are aware of the disruption caused by the ongoing closure of the A490 between Welshpool and Guilsfield and are working closely with Hafren Dyfrdwy to ensure the works are completed as quickly and safely as possible.

“We have asked the contractor to explore options to re-open the road sooner, and subject to confirmation, we hope the closure can be lifted by Wednesday, November 5. This will however depend on the feasibility of traffic management arrangements currently under review.

“We want to remind all road users to respect the closure and follow the official diversion routes. Ignoring the closure risks public safety and may delay the completion of the works.

“Further updates will be shared as soon as they are available.”

Drone footage this week showed that motorists were ignoring the road closure signs and still driving through the roadworks.

This is the second piece of good news for motorists after the planned night closure of the road from Buttington Roundabout to Pool Quay was cancelled for traffic lights instead.