Link road just a matter of time (From Barry And District News)

Link road just a matter of time

CONTROVERSIAL plans to halt the tide of traffic on one of Barry's busiest roads have received a major boost.

The much-talked about airport access link road has been granted a share of an £85 million funding package announced by the National Assembly's Economic Development and Transport Minister, Andrew Davies.

Links to the airport have long been a contentious issue. Passengers flying from Cardiff International Airport have to negotiate the congestion at Culverhouse Cross before travelling through Wenvoe and along Port Road towards Rhoose.

Now they are a step closer to being able to use a new highway.

Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith has been a staunch supporter of the new access road plans.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted, but not surprised. Since the publication of the Aviation White Paper in December it was inevitable that the announcement would follow about the future of the airport link road. The paper identified Cardiff International Airport as the only one to service South Wales passengers, and it is estimated that the number of passengers will rise to five million. But there is no way the figures can reach that goal without improved surface access.

"In my view, the argument has changed from whether we would get a link road to when will we get it."

He added: "I am pleased that an early decision has been made, because this will not just benefit the airport and be a huge boost to the local economy, but it will take the bottle neck -which prevents economic expansion - away from Barry. A north-east access road is crucial to the town.

"It will also take the pressure off many of our minor roads that have become so clogged up in recent years.

"This won't happen overnight. This is a very long job and will take a lot more investment. But this has helped and is very good news indeed."

The Vale of Glamorgan railway line was also granted £30,000 towards the expansion into Bridgend.