Work starts on Park Road improvements (From Free Press Series)

Work starts on Park Road improvements

4:43pm Tuesday 2nd February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)

MOTORISTS are being advised to use alternative routes with roadworks in Pontypool town centre lasting up to two months.

Work has begun on an £80,000 scheme to widen Park Road, which will enable buses to stop without blocking other traffic. The improvements were welcomed by local business owners.

Nikki Kinnersley, owner of Filling the Gap, on Park Road, said: "I think it is good.

"Sometimes it is chaos with buses parked both sides of the road and cars can’t get past, so it is a good idea."

Mark Gregory owns the Bread of Heaven café and lives in Commercial Street. He said while some disruption is inevitable, he hopes the scheme will bring long-term benefits.

"The town centre is a living organism so change will mean disruption, but it’s going to be short-term and hopefully it will mean fewer delays on Park Road in the future."

Torfaen Council admits the road has suffered congestion for some time, made worse at peak times by buses stopping on both sides of the road. Work will be carried out to widen the road and install a pelican crossing.

The improvements are expected to last at least eight weeks and have been funded by the Welsh Assembly and Pontypool Regeneration partnership.

A council spokesman said: "To help ease congestion during this period, the council is recommending that, if possible, drivers use alternative routes."

Two bus stops in the area will be temporarily closed until work is complete, with alternative bus stops outside the Civic Centre.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)