Drivers to see end of 70-mile Powys detour

Motorists are set to see the end of a 70-mile diversion on a main road between north and south Wales, the Welsh government has confirmed.

A five-mile stretch of the A470 in Powys has been closed since January for major repairs after a supporting wall fell into a river.

The closure has meant traffic around Talerddig, between Carno and Dolfach, has been forced to take a two-hour detour while children have had to take trains to school.

But the road will reopen on Friday 11 April with traffic lights in place temporarily while a barrier is installed.

The road was reduced to one lane in October 2023 after the wall collapsed into the Afon Laen before being closed entirely in January.

The diversion, heading east from Talerddig, takes drivers through Caersws, Newtown and Welshpool before rejoining the A470 at Mallwyd.

The Welsh government made extra resources available for work to continue during weekends to speed up the repair.

Management of the closure has been heavily criticised by residents and councillors from surrounding villages that have faced traffic chaos with vehicles becoming stuck in soft grass verges and HGVs blocking smaller roads.

The closure has also seen bus services suspended between Machynlleth and Newtown, leaving people reliant on train services and taxis.

Transport secretary Ken Skates said: “I understand the disruption caused by the works and I’d like to thank motorists and local residents for their patience.

“However, it was vital this work was carried out at this time to ensure the road can remain open in the years to come.”

Traffic lights on the stretch of road are expected to be in place until 30 April.