WORK on the next stage of the dualling of the A465 from Gilwern to Brynmawr has drawn criticism from a county councillor, as it requires a major change in the road layout at the Glanbaiden Roundabout.

Over the past few months the western side of the roundabout has been closed to traffic to allow Costain’s engineers to construct the western abutments for a fly-over bridge.

The company now intends to open the western side of the roundabout and close the eastern side for the construction of the eastern bridge abutments.

However, councillor Simon Howarth of the Llanelly Hill ward has criticised the plans.

He said, “I am very dissatisfied with the attitude of Costain and Welsh Government. “Neither party has communicated with local councillors or the public very effectively and as a result the area is bedlam.”

Traffic from Gilwern wishing to travel westbound (towards Brynmawr) on the A465 will be officially routed to the Hardwick roundabout to return via the A465 to Glanbaiden.

Similarly traffic wishing to enter Govilon from the westbound exit of the roundabout will be diverted back onto the A465 to the Hardwick roundabout and then return.

Councillor Howarth has also been critical of the complications this plan will cause for the X4 bus route.

He said, “The X4 from Cardiff to Hereford is an important public transport link for people in Llanfoist and Govilon, which they could lose as a result of this road layout.

“This bus route serves these villages as a school bus and for hospital appointments to Nevill Hall, so changes need to be made to the plan to accommodate it.

“I have spoken to a conductor at Stagecoach and they are concerned about the delays that this will cause for the wider X4 service”

Councillor Howarth has suggested that a temporary roundabout be created on the eastbound section of the dual carriageway, so that motorists can avoid having to travel all the way to the Hardwick roundabout to travel back to Govilon.

The independent councillor has claimed that these plans have so far fallen on deaf ears.

The currently planned changes were due to be made either on Sunday December 6 or on Monday December 7 and the new arrangements will be well signposted.

The arrangements will remain in place until the week commencing December 21 when the full roundabout will be reopened for a two-week period during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The eastern side closure will then be reinstated in the week commencing January 4.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Every effort has been made to reduce disruption while these works are carried out. We have selected the shortest diversion route available and are putting on a shuttle bus to ensure people in the villages affected can be connected with local bus services. We will continuously monitor the traffic management arrangements.”