Construction of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross improvements project on behalf of the Welsh Government has commenced under contractor Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd

Appointed earlier in 2021, Griffiths is a leading Welsh civil engineering contractor, and will be delivering the project through to anticipated completion in the autumn of 2023.

They will be collaborating with Arcadis and Jacobs to facilitate the successful delivery of the scheme.

Work is now well underway, with a temporary boundary fence being installed along the full length of the scheme and underground utility surveys being completed on the existing highway.

Ecological surveys and hedgerow removal have also been taking place. Utility diversion works of the overhead electric lines that are going to be impacted by the new highway alignment are well underway.

The project team will be focusing efforts on utilising the local economy to facilitate various aspects of the scheme.

A successful virtual Meet the Buyer event was held in July to grow the local supply chain and a second Meet the Buyer event will take place in Spring 2022, and will be advertised on Sell2Wales, as well as locally.

The scheme will involve the construction of two new roundabouts, two new junctions, 6.2km of carriageway and two new overbridges.

The project will also deliver 5.5km of shared use facilities for active travel. This will require a large amount of engineering and environmental specialities and in addition to Griffiths direct workforce.

Griffiths will have several employment opportunities available throughout which they will engage with local organisations to source.

Additionally, the local community team are engaging with schools, colleges and universities to give young people an insight into the construction industry and the vast range of career opportunities it offers.

As an introduction to Griffiths and the team, the project donated Christmas trees to local schools and community groups. The project has also already welcomed three local trainees, and a further eleven new local employees into the business.

The team are keen to keep disruption to a minimum, but there will be a requirement to reduce traffic speed through the scheme.

From January 10, the speed limit has been reduced to 30mph from Robeston Wathen roundabout to the west side of Llanddewi Velfrey Village. This will be subject to appropriate enforcement measures.

Griffiths Managing Director Stephen Tomkins said: “Griffiths are proud to be working with Welsh Government to deliver this prestigious project that will deliver multiple benefits to the local community including extensive Active Travel provisions.

“Our team look forward to working with the local community to ensure we leave a lasting positive legacy in the area.”

Project Manager Andrew Davies and Construction Manager Richard Spooner will be leading the 30 strong project team and up to 100 site workers and subcontractors throughout the scheme.

Combined they have delivered approximately £1bn worth of projects, and have an expanse of knowledge driving teams in the design and construction of technically complex major highways projects.

They are both from West Wales and are keen to give back to the local community wherever possible.

“We are both passionate about construction and promote communication, planning, commitment and ownership as our main attributes,” stated Andrew.

Those interested in the project can learn more by visiting Welsh Government project website link gov.wales/a40-llanddewi-velfrey-redstone-cross-improvements or via the Griffiths community website community.alungriffiths.co.uk

The project team will also be releasing updates via their email newsletter, details of which can be found on the website link.

All traffic information and updates will be available via Traffic Wales. Given the current Covid-19 guidelines, current community engagement is limited, therefore interested parties are encouraged to register for email newsletter and project updates.

Pictured is Angharad Rosser - the project’s newly appointed Public Liaison Officer.