A470 Powys drivers face up to 70-mile diversion for wall fix

Traffic Wales said the wall – which supported the A470 above the adjacent Afon Iaen – was more than 5m (16ft) tall while the carriageway was less than 8m (26ft) wide, meaning the full width of the carriageway was needed to construct new foundations for the wall.

A temporary embankment north of the site to allow through traffic was considered, but deemed “unviable” due to “ecological restrictions”, it added.

There will be disruption to school bus timetables, with a further update to be issued, but “every effort has been made to minimise the disruption to journeys”, meaning no compensation will be paid to business owners in the area.

Plaid Cymru’s Elwyn Vaughan, who represents the Glantwymyn ward on Powys council, said residents understood the work had to happen and were pleased it had been committed to, but said it was “unfortunate it will take up to seven weeks, which will without a doubt have a number of negative effects locally”.

Vaughan also raised concerns about the “huge diversion” of up to 70 miles, adding: “We all know there are small local roads which are totally unsuitable. I would urge people not to use them if they can avoid doing so because they will further compound problems locally.”

Vaughan said the closure would affect a wide range of people including commuters, school children and local businesses, with some shops claiming to have lost out “substantially” during the previous one-week closure.

“Seven weeks will certainly hit them again leading up to Christmas, and we also have major companies locally carrying timber to the mill in Chirk, for instance – it will affect and cause problems for them.

“[But] we’re thankful that the contractors have been appointed and we hope for decent weather and that it can be completed as soon as possible.”