Middletown Bypass ‘should be priority’
During a House of Commons debate on Welsh Affairs, Mr Davies voiced the need for improved road access across the English border, highlighting the crucial role it can play in boosting the Mid Wales economy.
He proposed that the Middletown Bypass should be the first project considered as part of the Mid Wales Growth Deal, which is currently in the early stages of development.
“The economy of Mid Wales is particularly dependent on the ability to travel east-west,” said Mr Davies. “Good road access to the more populous West Midlands, North West of England and the South East of England are crucial to the economic success of the Severn Valley.
“The biggest disadvantage of devolution has been the complexities and delay it has caused to the development of cross-border road connectivity.
“There are two important cross border road schemes awaiting a joint commitment from the UK and Wales Parliaments - a Pant-Llanymynech bypass and a new road replacing the A485 from Welshpool to the English Border, popularly known as ‘The Middletown Bypass’.
“The road that is most ‘affordable’ is ‘The Middletown Bypass’. It is the seven miles between the Buttington Cross roundabout and the Severn Sisters. This project should have gone ahead years ago.
“From the Welsh perspective, the cost-benefit analysis is excellent and it’s likely that the Welsh Government would be willing to commit the funding needed. But there will be very little cost-benefit to the England side.
“It’s important that there should be a close working relationship between both sides of the border, ensuring that we deliver schemes for the overall benefit of the UK.”
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