Would the leader of the council please say whether he feels happy with the outcomes of the concerns from Monmouthshire residents with reference to the Heads of the Valley A465 Road scheme operated by the Welsh Government and contracted to build and design by Costains Group plc?
Minutes:
Would the leader of the council please say whether he feels happy with the outcomes of the concerns from Monmouthshire residents with reference to the Heads of the Valley A465 Road scheme operated by the Welsh Government and contracted to build and design by Costain Group plc?
The Leader responded by explaining that this Welsh Government project is being undertaken by Costain. Costain employs a Public Liaison Officer for this scheme who works closely with the local community as well as MCC. In addition, Costain holds monthly meetings for Traffic Management with MCC and other organisations such as the emergency services, quarterly meetings with Members and the Local Community Council, as well as holding ad hoc public exhibitions and meetings on progress of the works etc. Costain employs local people and runs an apprentice scheme, as well as engaging with local schools and other community groups, offering visits and talks about the scheme and in particular on local heritage interest.
Due to the unforeseen ground conditions and engineering difficulties, the number of planned road closures has been much higher than originally foreseen and this has been a challenge in terms of managing disruption on the local roads and a major concern from residents. However the Welsh Government is working closely with MCC officers, and listening to local members and residents in order that they can minimise disruption; there will be far fewer closures this year, with a maximum of eight expected.
To help ensure that the works are carried out with as little disruption to the local community as possible, our engineers are in discussions with WG on the handing back of the side roads, which includes maintenance arrangements for embankments and drainage systems.
For the duration of the scheme, there has been ongoing positive proactive engagement between Environmental Health officers and Costain representatives. The complexity of many aspects of the scheme have merited regular monthly meetings, with further detail generally discussed on a weekly basis. This has been to try to ensure that all appropriate noise and dust mitigation measures have been considered and implemented, and that residents in the proximity of works undertaken outside normal working hours are properly notified. The contractor has been requested and undertaken noise and dust monitoring.
It is regrettable that Costain and Welsh Government are currently in dispute since last year, which has undoubtedly prolonged the finish of the scheme, now estimated to be 2021, but as we know this seems to be a moving feast often changing.
The previous Project Manager, left last Summer and has been replaced. The position will be supported by an Arcadis employee to manage the Legacy of the Project. Having said all of that, it is fair to say that the continued suffering of the local residents is becoming intolerable; especially in Maesygwartha and surrounding lanes on both sides of the valley, which are seeing traffic volumes not intended for their use, where residents parking is often on the street, making passing difficult especially at the weekends when the road is closed.
MCC Officers are currently looking at ways in which we could possibly improve the situation in Clydach and Maesygwartha, including discussions with the Police to support any restrictive orders that are being considered to improve the situation. You will recall that in January last year at our meeting with the Minister, Ken Skates, it was agreed that there would be greater police support plus Costain Staff positioned at the Brynmawr end to deter non- residents from entering the narrow lanes and getting stuck in a jam; encouraging them to use the official diversion route instead. This action was welcomed by the residents but I know you and a community council member had concerns about the legality of these measures and as a result this no longer takes place however Operatives are still present to deter HGV’s.
The residents of the bungalows at Dan Y Coed in Clydach have suffered a great deal following changes to the design of the footbridge. As you are aware MHA, MCC and locally elected members are still in discussions to secure a solution that provides greater privacy and security at the back of the affected properties.
The final part of the road construction is now taking place which will shortly include a switchover to the higher road. Two plans are currently being considered and we are waiting for the Welsh Government decision regarding this. Locally elected members have been consulted and are confident that the scheme will keep the traffic moving whilst the road over the gorge is constructed.
Residents, businesses and locally elected members want the road finished as soon as possible and, following recent discussions with Costain and Welsh Government, have impressed upon them to keep traffic moving so that it will not be advantageous to use the side lanes; and to minimise the weekend closures which cause the most disruption.
The roundabouts at Saleyard and at the old Costain Offices are due to be removed shortly and this will help to speed up the flow of traffic. MCC will continue to work closely with Costain and Welsh Government and their representatives to minimise further disruption whilst we look forward to the completion of the road.
It would not be correct to say that we are happy, especially as the scheme is currently two years behind and £100 million over budget, however we have had to deal with circumstances beyond our control such as the dispute between Welsh Government and Costain, and the challenges faced by the Contractor in this challenging topography, which probably could have been better managed by the Welsh Government who are ultimately responsible for the Project.
MCC looks forward to the benefits of the completed scheme; currently expected to be in the Spring of 2021. Although there are times when local members and community remain frustrated by these works, it would be fair to say that WG and Costain are listening to the concerns of the local residents and are working closely with MCC to address problems that arise.”
As a supplementary Councillor Howarth reminded Council of a petition received from residents of Danycoed and assurances of a full investigation, questioned progress and requested that Council urge the Minister to resolve the situation.
The Leader appreciated the concerns raised and will meet with the Chief Executive to review progress.