With the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross road scheme in Pembrokeshire officially opened by Wales’ First Minister and Transport Secretary, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire’s Conservative Senedd Member has taken aim at the Labour Government who almost got the project quashed before it even began!

The scheme, which was officially opened on Friday, May 2 by Welsh Labour Government First Minister, Eluned Morgan and Transport Secretary is sure to improve connectivity, reduce journey times, provide extra resilience and reliability, and enhance road safety.

It delivers a new 6km upgrade to the old road, a new carriageway, new roundabouts, 2 new bridges, 22 culverts, a new active travel route and environmental landscaping with over 450,000 plants and trees.

However, Conservative Senedd Member for the locality, Samuel Kurtz has recalled the Government’s stance not so long ago on the future of road construction for Wales.

“So while Labour politicians pat themselves on the back at the opening of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey bypass, let’s not forget that their road building ban nearly got this project quashed before it had even began!” he remarked.

“The first consultation was held in 2006, showing that we in west Wales have to fight extra hard for investment from a Cardiff-centric Welsh Labour Government.

“It was you the community that fought hard to get this built.

“Huge thanks to Pembrokeshire residents and commuters for their patience during the build, and to the contractors Griffiths - especially local community liaison lead Matthew. Drive safe!”

The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan said: “Fixing our roads is a key priority for us. We’ve spent £1bn fixing and improving our roads since 2021, including more than £250m in the past year.

“The completion of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvement scheme is excellent news for Southwest Wales providing a more resilient accessible transport link for tourism and key strategic ports in Pembrokeshire.

“The scheme also helps connect local communities to key transport hubs, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles with the introduction of a new route for people wishing to cycle, walk or ride horses,” she added.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “This project is an impressive piece of engineering and a great example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver on many levels, providing jobs for the local community, improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, alongside delivering environmental benefits.

“It’s been a complex project involving a number of key partners and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in helping us to deliver this.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey, welcomed the long-waited opening, stating: “Narberth residents in particular will be pleased that this huge investment project has concluded and the new section A40 is now fully open. Please drive safely as we all get used to the new road layout.

“The inclusion of Redstone Cross for me was absolutely necessary and I’m pleased to have been involved in supporting the extension of this aspect of the scheme in the early consultation phase.

“It will really enhance the whole area and make it easier to get in and out of the county,” added Cllr Harvey.