THE Welsh Government has confirmed that long-awaited improvements to the A40 in Pembrokeshire will go ahead, despite the collapse of a major engineering company.

Contractor Carillion collapsed earlier this year, throwing hundreds of projects – including the improvement scheme between Llanddewi Velfrey and Penblewin - into doubt.

Cabinet Member for Economy and Transport Ken Skates, in a letter to AMs, has confirmed that £35m will be invested to upgrade the route, which is on the Trans European Network route between St Clears and Haverfordwest.

The letter followed a question from Preseli AM Paul Davies, requesting an update on the project.

The road will be upgraded to a 2+1 layout, similar to those already implemented at the A40 Robeston Bypass and A4777 at Llanddowror.

Arup will take over responsibility for the scheme with £22milllion of the £35million scheme funded by the European Union.

The investment will take the total spent on the A40 improvements over £50m.

In his letter to AMs, Mr Skates said: “The outline design and detailed environmental impact assessment for the scheme is nearly complete and will very much form the basis of the project taken forward.

“Draft Orders are due to be published towards the end of this year with construction commencing around summer 2019, subject to the statutory process.”

Mr Skates confirmed that other potential over-taking sites are being considered on the A40, including Redstone Cross which was the site of a fatal collision in March.

“We are currently looking at when these can be delivered alongside other priorities in the National Transport Finance Plan and will develop a programme in due course, although site work is expected to start between 2020 and 2023. EU funding has also been earmarked for these improvements.”

County based Assembly Member Eluned Morgan and Narberth Labour Councillor Vic Dennis welcomed confirmation from the Welsh Government that the project will continue.

Mrs Morgan AM said: “Since the collapse of Carillion, infrastructure schemes across Wales have been thrown into chaos. I welcome this £50 million investment by the Welsh Government supported by the EU to improve safety and journey times on this important national route.

“The use of a 2+1 scheme as we’ve seen on the A477 will allow for further upgrading in future. With work set to begin next year, I very much hope the residents of Llanddewi Velfrey and the thousands of commuters who use the A40 every day will also welcome this positive development.”

Cllr Dennis, Labour’s councillor in Narberth added: “The A40 is a vital route for the economic prosperity of our county but I have particularly concerned about safety at the Redstone Cross junction on behalf of the residents of Narberth.

“I have held discussions at County Hall and elsewhere to ensure action is taken on improving safety to prevent any further fatalities at this busy cross roads. I am pleased that the Welsh Government is looking seriously at these concerns and I will continue to lobby for improvements to take place as quickly as possible using the EU funds that have already been earmarked.”