Swansea Council is planning to invest a significant sum in improving the city’s roads, pavements, and other transport schemes, with a projected expenditure of up to £20 million in the upcoming year. This investment comes as the council faces a considerable backlog of £70 million in roads maintenance. Additionally, there are funding challenges related to the maintenance of 147 bridges and 50 culverts under the council’s responsibility. The cabinet members have already approved £11.7 million for highways infrastructure spending in the 2025-26 period, with hopes that additional grants will increase this total to £20 million.
In Swansea, road resurfacing projects and pothole repairs are integral parts of the council’s highways work. Last year alone, approximately 5,000 potholes were repaired, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the city’s infrastructure. Speaking about the investment for the upcoming year, Councillor Andrew Stevens, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, highlighted that the funding will enable further enhancements to the city’s infrastructure. The planned work also includes improvements to the coastal path between Limeslade and Rotherslade.
Council leader Rob Stewart acknowledged the importance of a new Welsh Government-backed borrowing scheme that has enabled increased investment in roads by Swansea and other local authorities. Without this scheme, the 2025-26 investment in Swansea would have been £4.2 million lower. Stewart described the predicted £20 million expenditure as a “truly remarkable amount,” emphasizing the significance of the planned investment in the city’s transportation infrastructure.
The cabinet also reviewed a report outlining various Welsh Government grant applications totalling £6.6 million. These applications cover a range of initiatives, including cycling infrastructure upgrades, electric vehicle charging points, and traffic flow improvements on key roads like Carmarthen Road and High Street. One of the substantial grant applications is for £2.9 million to further develop the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro project, aimed at creating an integrated transport network across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire.
While specific projects for 2025-26 include a cycling scheme between Mayals and Bishopston and widening the Clyne Valley shared-use path, there are also plans for future cycling initiatives like the one proposed between Gowerton and Penclawdd. Part of the grant request includes funding for new electric vehicle charging infrastructure worth £669,000, which includes ultra-rapid charging points at various locations and a contactless payment option at existing charging points. If approved, this funding will be in addition to the £11.7 million already authorised by the cabinet, potentially bringing the total investment in highways and transport to around £20 million.
This significant investment in Swansea’s transport infrastructure showcases the city’s commitment to improving connectivity, sustainability, and road safety. By addressing the maintenance backlog, enhancing cycling infrastructure, and promoting electric vehicle usage, the council aims to create a more efficient and environmentally-friendly transport network for residents and visitors. The planned projects not only focus on immediate improvements but also look towards future development to meet the evolving needs of a modern city like Swansea.