A major road closure has brought significant disruption to drivers in Wales as a section of the A470, the longest road in the country, has been shut down for up to 12 weeks. The closure comes after a hole surfaced in the road in Talerddig, Powys, leading to the installation of temporary traffic lights to manage the flow of vehicles. Initially scheduled for maintenance in the autumn, the repairs were postponed due to a fatal train accident in the area. As of January 20th, the A470 will be completely closed in both directions until April 11th, followed by a period of two-way traffic control until April 30th around Talerddig. The construction efforts are focused on restoring a crucial retaining wall between Talerddig and Llanbrynmair, requiring some drivers to take a 70-mile detour.
To alleviate the impact on schoolchildren commuting in the area, alternative transportation arrangements have been made, with students now using trains instead of buses during the road closure. While pedestrians and cyclists will still have access to the affected stretch of the A470, all vehicular traffic will be prohibited 24 hours a day for the duration of the construction works. The Welsh Government has outlined diversion routes for motorists affected by the closure, directing westbound traffic through Caersws, Newtown (A483), Welshpool, and Mallwyd (A458), before rejoining the A470 at Glantwymyn. Eastbound vehicles will follow the same diversion in reverse.
The need for the extensive repairs on the A470 arose in November 2023 when part of the retaining wall collapsed, creating a hole over 5 meters tall above a river. Originally planned for a seven-week closure last autumn, the project’s timeline has been extended to account for adverse winter conditions and the diversion of a water main. The closure has had a ripple effect on local traffic, prompting commuters to seek alternative routes and methods of transportation during the lengthy roadworks. The challenges posed by the closure highlight the vital role the A470 plays in connecting north and south Wales, underscoring the importance of the ongoing maintenance and infrastructure improvements.
As the closure continues to impact commuters and residents alike, the Welsh Government has been proactive in keeping the public informed with regular updates on the progress of the construction works and any changes to the road closure schedule. A map detailing the diversion routes and closure points has been made available to assist drivers in navigating the affected areas. The collaborative efforts between construction crews, local authorities, and transportation agencies aim to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of all road users throughout the duration of the closure. Stay tuned for further developments on the A470 road closure and follow official guidance to navigate the diversions successfully.