CONSTRUCTION of the new road that will run adjacent to Five Mile Lane in Barry is now underway.

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader, Cllr John Thomas, and Welsh Government economy and transport secretary Ken Skates AM officially marked the beginning of construction on Thursday afternoon (March 22) by cutting the turf at the site.

Work on the new road had faced a series of delays since it was initially proposed, however it is now expected to be completed during the summer of 2019.

Cllr Thomas said: “Today marks a significant milestone for economic development in the Vale of Glamorgan.

"This is a scheme of great importance, not just because of the £25m investment but because of the huge potential benefits it offers both the Vale and South Wales as a whole.

"When completed the new road will significantly cut journey times for local residents, but more importantly will also reduce those between Culverhouse Cross and both the Cardiff Airport and St Athan Enterprise Zones.

"This will provide a vital stimulus to investment in both."

The upgrade had been seen as a priority by many due to safety concerns about the existing Five Mile Lane, which has seen a speed camera and 40mph zone introduced within the past several years to try to reduce the high number of accidents occurring along the stretch.

When complete, the new road is set to be subject to the national speed limit.

Detailed design work for the project is currently being finalised by lead contractor Alun Griffiths.

A public drop-in centre will be established at the contractor’s offices, where members of the public will be able to ask questions regarding the project during normal working hours.

Mr Skates said: "We are funding this vital piece of civil engineering to help the Vale of Glamorgan council improve the A4226, or Five Mile Lane, to better the access and journey time to Cardiff Airport and St Athan Enterprise Zones.

"The work will increase safety and journey time reliability along this section of the highway, and all routes to Cardiff Airport from the West, either via the A48 or the A4232, will benefit."

Preparatory works, including some land clearance, began in early 2018 and the site compound from which the scheme will be managed was put in place earlier this month.