THE controversial dualling of the Heads of the Valleys Road between Gilwern and Brynmawr can go ahead, a minister has ruled.

The Welsh Government’s transport minister, Edwina Hart, has given the go-ahead after considering a report by a planning inspector following a three-week public inquiry that was held in April.

The inquiry was held to consider three orders to amend the route and make improvements which include; a major new junction at Brynmawr, new slip roads, the re-aligning of a 2.2km stretch of part of the route and compulsory purchase land orders, all of which are essential to the scheme.

If there are no legal challenges to the proposed orders, work to turn the final 8.1km stretch of the A4654 into a dual carriageway by construction firm Costain Limited is due to begin towards the end of this year. It is expected to be completed in 2018.

The design for the scheme was unveiled at three exhibitions in May of last year and includes a 50mph speed limit, improved junctions and viewpoints of the Gorge, extra lay-bys at Sale Yard and Clydach Gorge, a safer cycling crossing at Brynmawr and a split-level carriageway.

It requires 122 hectares of land in total as well as the demolition of eight buildings, which is considered to be the minimum necessary for construction.

At the inquiry, held at the Old School Community Centre in Gilwern, Graham Walters, an advocate on behalf of the Welsh Government, told planning inspector Bill Wadrup that the upgrade would provide better access to West Wales and improve links to Central Wales and the West Midlands. He said it will reduce congestion and journey times, improve safety for users and contribute to the regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys area.

However, those living close to the road raised concerns including overbearing designs of the pedestrian bridge that will link Clydach North and Clydach South, inadequate pedestrian footways, traffic flow, speed and the 12-hour working days during the construction.

Mrs Hart said: “The A465 forms part of the Trans-European Road Network and is an important trunk road in South Wales.

“This dualling scheme will improve safety and journey times along this section and supports the regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys area by providing improved transport links to and from the east.”

This section of the road will be the fourth section of the A465 project to be completed. It will link up with the Abergavenny to Gilwern stretch that was completed in 2008 and the Brynmawr to Tredegar stretch which is due to be ready in 2015. When finished, it will provide a continuous dual carriageway between Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil.