A465 Heads of the Valleys Road Set for Completion

The A465 Heads of the Valleys road project in South Wales is set to complete this summer, concluding 23 years of construction that began in 2002. The total cost has risen to £1.4bn, making it one of the UK's largest and most technically challenging road schemes, aimed at enhancing accessibility, reducing journey times, and improving road safety. The project will deliver 17.7km of dual carriageway, along with additional infrastructure such as bridges and active travel routes, while creating over 2,000 jobs, many of which are filled by local residents. Environmental considerations have been significant, with over 55,000 trees already planted and wildlife relocated to mitigate ecological impacts. Welsh Government officials, including Transport Secretary Ken Skates, highlighted the positive economic and community impacts, despite challenges during construction. Local businesses anticipate benefits from improved visibility and accessibility once the road is completed.