Future Valleys confirmed as preferred bidder for A465 Sections 5 and 6 improvements

The Welsh Government has today confirmed that Future Valleys (FCC, Roadbridge, Meridiam, Alun Griffiths (Contractors) and Atkins) has been appointed as preferred bidder for the improvement work for the A465 Sections 5 and 6 (Dowlais Top to Hirwaun).

The appointment of a preferred bidder is an important project milestone ahead of the awarding of a final contract, expected in October. The appointment has been made following a comprehensive technical, legal and commercial evaluation.

Future Valleys comprises large international construction companies alongside established financial investors, partnered with Welsh contractors and designers with knowledge of the area of local supply chain.

The A465 connects towns in the upper South Wales Valleys, also helping to link those communities to Newport, Cardiff and Swansea. Improvements for Sections 5 and 6 will see the road converted to two lanes in each direction.

As well as improving Wales’ transport infrastructure the scheme will support economic growth in the region. The Welsh Government’s Valleys Taskforce has identified investment in the A465 as an important means of delivering change for the South Wales Valleys.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, said:

“These road improvements will be really important to the local area, improving traffic flow, improving visibility, and creating more opportunities to overtake safely.

“The project will support the objectives of our Valleys Task Force, delivering economic and community benefits in a post-coronavirus recovery period. I expect the project to deliver around £400m of direct spend in Wales.

“The appointment of a preferred bidder is a clear signal that we are committed to these improvements and I look forward to seeing them progress.”

Rebecca Evans, Minister for Finance and Trefnydd, commented:

“We have undertaken careful evaluation ahead of the appointment, in order to deliver this project in a way that provides the best possible results for the local area and for Wales.”

“The project will generate over £675m of GVA for the wider Welsh economy with £170m of spending expected within the local supply chain. The contract also builds in measures to mitigate disruption to the local area while work is ongoing.”