THE brakes could be put on the £220 million project converting the Heads of the Valleys road into a dual carriageway after it emerged a review into the scheme has been ordered.

The scheme changing the entirety of the A465 Heads of the Valleys from Abergavenny to Neath into a dual carriageway is planned to be complete by 2020.

The latest stage of the scheme at a four-mile section between Gilwern and Brynmawr started in early 2015 and was due to be completed by next spring.

But now it has emerged the Welsh Government's economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates has ordered a review into the project, prompting concerns it could be delayed.

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: "The challenging nature of the scheme has meant that the programme for completion has been impacted and in light of this (Ken Skates) has ordered a comprehensive programme and cost review of the project to be undertaken.

"This process is expected to be completed shortly."

But the news has been slammed by the Welsh Conservatives, with shadow economy secretary Russell George saying delays could be "disastrous for local businesses."

"We have spoken to firms who’ve been turned upside down by these delays already," he said.

"For some, this could mean curtains.

"Sadly, this failure also raises further questions for (Ken Skates), who appears to be juggling a number of plates in his portfolio, all of which now appear to be falling, one by one."

He added he was concerned Mr Skates had not issued a formal statement about the review.

As part of the project a concrete arch bridge has been built at Gilwern, which the developers have claimed is the largest of its kind in the world.

Two new bridges have also been built at the Glanbaiden roundabout, as well as a footbridge at Gilwern.

And the Welsh Government has said more than 4,000 trees have been planted along the road as part of the project.

For more information on the work, including planned road closures, call 01879 833100 or email jeff.mapps@costain.com