BBC NEWS | Wales | South East Wales (original) (raw)

Rhodri Morgan unveiled a plaque in Porth Square

A plaque to mark the completion of an award-winning road has been unveiled by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

The �98m Porth relief road project in Rhondda has eased traffic problems in the area and it is hoped it will encourage business and investment.

As part of the project, 11 bridges, including the landmark Rheola Bridge, have been built or replaced.

A three-mile (5km) community route for cyclists and walkers has also been developed as part of the project.

The road was opened to traffic in December 2006, but work continued on landscaping.

The plaque was unveiled by Mr Morgan at Porth square.

	The project includes the landmark Rheola Bridge at Porth.

He said: "This new route will provide significant benefits in terms of journey time savings, the environment and regeneration."

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, cabinet member for transport at Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), said the project had involved complex engineering.

"Residents have already had the benefits of swifter travel in and around the Porth area for over eight months now.

"The relief road is a very real example of the council's actions to regenerate and develop the economy of Rhondda Cynon Taf."

Since its completion, the five-mile stretch of carriageway from the Heritage Park roundabout in Trehafod to Pontygwaith has received awards.

They include a constructing excellence award and a UK-wide Highways and Transportation 'Effective Partnerships' Award.

The project was a partnership between RCT and construction company Costain, with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.