PLANS to improve traffic congestion in Maesycwmmer, near Blackwood, will be unveiled at an information evening next week.

Work on a major highway improvement scheme at the signal control junction on the A472, could begin later this year, and take eight months to complete, if a bid for funding from the Welsh Government is successful.

Some 23,000 vehicles pass through the village and use the junction at the traffic lights, which is a congestion bottleneck, in the morning and afternoon rush hours.

Road users are set to rise with the Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr hospital development and the national annual traffic growth, which forecasts 28,000 vehicles per day by 2025.

Terry Shaw, the council’s head of engineering, said: “Already we see significant congestion at peak times, which will only worsen with the increase in vehicles.

“The proposed works will not only improve traffic flow through the village, but also improve the pedestrian crossings, bus stops and safer parking.”

Residents can find out more about the plans at an information day between 11am and 7pm at Maesycwmmer OAP Hall on Thursday, March 22.