THE controversial dualling of the section of the A465 carriageway connecting Brynmawr and Abergavenny looks set to enter its next phase of development.

Work on land clearage is due to begin at the end of 2014, with an estimated 1.2 million cubic metres of topsoil and rock to be moved. 2015-16 will see the beginning of construction, starting with a new junction towards Brynmawr to complement the existing roundabout.

New junctions are also planned for Saleyard, Glanbaiden and Gilwern. All new junctions will feature overpass bridges to accommodate traffic and pedestrians.

This section of the wider project has an estimated cost of £190 million excluding VAT, and should be reaching completion in 2017. The Welsh Government predicts that for every £1 spent on the project, £1.65 will be recouped from reduced transport and accident costs, as well as from wider economic regeneration of the area.

Pressure has been mounting to extend the carriageway due to a much higher than average rate of accidents on the road. From 2005-2010 there were 473 accidents over the whole of the A465, an average of almost two accidents every week.

The road also forms part of the Trans European Transport Network, connecting Wales to mainland Europe, and is vital to the Welsh Government's plans for economic regeneration in Wales.

However, opposition to the project has been present since its announcement in 1995. A public inquiry into the construction of the junction in Gilwern reached its deadline for submission in November.

This has now been extended following complaints from local residents. The Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, welcomed the extension of the deadline.

One of the residents who will be most affected by the new road is Mr. Jack Bland, who has been campaigning for increased access to Station Road, which lies opposite the Gilwern junction, for 6 years.

The latest plans for the Gilwern junction mean that Station Road may, in certain circumstances, only be accessible by travelling through the village of Gilwern.

Mr Bland argues that if emergency vehicles are called out from Abergavenny, then valuable time may be lost travelling through the village, saying: "It's really detrimental to anyone who lives on this side of the road. There are around 65 households that could be affected".

Mr Bland has been in regular correspondence with MPs such as David Davies, as well as local councillors. Asked if he thought the Welsh government had listened and responded to his concerns, he said, "There was something that came out of it. In the end a lot of it was hot air."

Local councillors insist that every care has been taken to listen to residents' concerns, but that compromises must be made. Community Councillor for Llanelly Hill, Giles Howard, commented on the issue, "It will be a difficult one for us, because of the massive difference in views locally. The best we can hope to do is ensure that everyone's view is acknowledged by the Inspector."

The inquiry will be held on March 15 in Gilwern, and currently there are around 15 individuals giving evidence in support of the project and 50 objecting. The deadline for applications to attend or speak at the inquiry is at the end of February.

Another contentious area of development is the section of the road following the Clydach Gorge.

Due to the risk of potential rock-slides, the dual carriageway will be split-level for this section of the road, meaning that one direction of traffic will travel above the rock-face and another below.

This area contains three 'Scheduled Ancient Monuments', including the Clydach Iron works and Hafod Arch. The Welsh Government insists they will not be directly affected.

The only exception is the Primitive Methodist Chapel just outside of Gilwern, which needs to be demolished to make way for the oncoming road.

The churchyard contains five headstones, and there is the possibility that bodies will have to be exhumed.

Clydach Gorge also provides a home for several rare animal and plant species. Native species such as the winter-roosting Lapwing can be very sensitive to environmental changes.

Costains, the company responsible for construction, is being advised by the Welsh Government as well as wildlife experts, and has made efforts to preserve the ecology and natural beauty of the area.

Artificial roosting for bats and birds will be placed at several points along the road, native trees will be planted, and work on the road will be timed so not as to interfere with bat-crossings.

Despite the care that has gone into minimising the impact of the road on the Gorge, many are still sceptical.

Local resident Anne Marie Barber said, "In my opinion, I don't think the dualling should happen over the Gorge.

"I may not know the exact figures, but I am aware the level of road accidents due to the road itself are relatively small compared to other sections."

Anyone who wishes to attend or to speak at the inquiry in Gilwern can send a letter to James Saddler at Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.