Hundreds of local people attended an exhibition detailing forthcoming work on the Heads of the Valleys road project.

An exhibition at the site offices of the A465 Section 2 project in Gilwern attracted over 400 visitors looking for an insight into the works programme for the year ahead on the section two stretch between Gilwern and Brynmawr.

Organised in conjunction with the Welsh Government, the exhibition updated the public on the progress made to date, outlined, in more detail, the issues that have led to a delay in the works programme.

A steady flow of visitors attended the exhibition held last month, viewing the project fly-through which provided a realistic outline of how the project will look when completed, as well as recent aerial photographs and drone footage of the progress made to date. The public also had access to the most recent project newsletter ‘Heads Up’.

The exhibition also contained a range of display boards which included information on the progress made to date, forthcoming works programme, the local environment, the community benefits associated with the project and communication and contact details.

Brian Greaves, senior community relation manager for Costain said, “The exhibition was very successful with over 400 people attending. We asked those who attended to take part in an exit survey and established that 97 per cent found the information useful; 72 per cent were from the communities close to the project and over half used the road on a daily basis.

“The survey also revealed that three-quarters were satisfied that ‘good progress’ was being made and believed the project team were dealing well with significant geographic constraints, effectively managing communications and responding well to contacts with the public.

“We will focus on the detail of all feedback to ensure that we continually improve as we move forward.”

Overnight closures planned

The A465 Heads of the Valleys Road will be closed overnight between Brynmawr and Gilwern from Monday, January 8 to Wednesday 10 for the erection of temporary trestles to aid the construction of the Gateway Bridge in Brynmawr.