A BUSY junction in Abersychan is to be improved thanks to a £15,500 investment by the Welsh Government.

The junction of Union Street and Broad Street is one of the busiest in the town, and is used by up to 16 buses an hour, along with regular traffic.

The funding announced by the Welsh Government last week, part of a £2.8 million investment through its Local Transport Network Fund, will be used to create dedicated left turn lanes and improve pedestrian facilities and bus stops.

It is hoped this will speed up bus journeys and cut delays for both public transport and drivers.

Announcing the funding, the Welsh Government's economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates said: "I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support these schemes, which will see improvements to bus journeys on strategic Welsh Government and local authority routes across Wales.

"Today’s announcement includes funding for a range of proposed interventions including bus priority measures, junction improvements and technical based solutions to further support the bus industry and widen the appeal of buses as an attractive, reliable mode of transport.

"I look forward to seeing these projects underway at the earliest possible opportunity, with communities able to soon feel the benefits of the improvements."

The Welsh Government also said it is hoped the improvements will make it easier for people to get to work while increasing connections between businesses, services and leisure facilities in the area and keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe.

Projects in Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Flintshire have also been given a share of the funding.

Among these are £1 million for new bus routes and public transport hubs in Swansea, £600,000 for route improvements in Rhondda Cynon Taf and £425,000 for work in Powys.

Neath Port Talbot is also to benefit from £617,000 while Flintshire will get £100,000.

The funding is being handed over to local authorities in each area, with work expected to begin imminently.

For more information call Torfaen County Borough Council on 01495 762 200 or email calltorfaen@torfaen.gov.uk