A470 Talerddig Retaining Wall: Frequently Asked Questions

The retaining wall supporting the A470 above the adjacent Afon Iaen is over 5m tall and the carriageway is less than 8m wide. In order to construct the foundations of the new retaining wall the full width of the carriageway is needed to excavate enough material to allow access safely for our workforce. Other options explored included constructing a temporary embankment north of the site to allow through traffic, however ecological restrictions have made this option unviable.

The A470 will be closed between 20 January and 11 April. The road will be closed 24hrs per day throughout this period, however we are working with our supply chain to reduce duration this as far as possible. Following this closure period, 2-way traffic lights will be reinstalled at the site to complete construction activities. All traffic management will be removed form the site by 16 April.

Unfortunately, we will now need to divert a water main (which we had previously intended to suspend during the excavation) into the southern carriageway. This will add an additional 2 weeks onto the programme with additional allowances for risk due to winter working. We are working with the Contractor to consider all options to reduce the programme due to the disruption caused.

Access through the works for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained throughout the closure periods. Please note that during certain activities pedestrians and cyclists may be asked to wait before being guided through the site by marshals. Please follow the instructions of site personnel for your own safety.

No, emergency vehicles will not be able to travel through the closure and the emergency services have been informed.

We are undertaking these works in winter to avoid travel disruption at the busiest time of year. Unfortunately, this will have an impact on school transport. We are liaising with the relevant transport authorities and will provide a further update in due course. The closure period will coincide partially with the February half term dates. 

T12 

During the closure of the at A470/A489 at Talerddig, Service T12 will operate to a revised timetable with the service split into two sections.

• Buses will run from Machynlleth to Dolfach – Click Here to View Timetable
• Buses will run from Talerddig to Newtown – Click Here to View Timetable 

There will be no direct buses between Machynlleth and Newtown, please use TfW Rail Services. 

Free Travel will be available on TfW Rail services between Machynlleth, Caersws and Newtown for Powys Scholar Bus Pass Holders and TfW Concessionary Bus Pass Holders only. 

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen

The Carno to Ysgol Bro Hyddgen School bus will operate from Dolfach to Ysgol Bro Hyddgen School at the normal times in both directions – Click Here to View Timetable.

Students from Talerddig and Carno will need to catch the train from Caersws at 0811, returning by train from Machynlleth at 1608. 

Powys Council are arranging a shuttle bus to and from Talerddig to Caersws Railway Station

There will be a shuttle bus by Lloyds Coaches from Machynlleth railway station to and from Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.

Coleg Powys and Newtown High School  

Morning Travel Students from Dolfach, Llanbrynmair, Commins Coch, Cemmaes Road and Machynlleth there will be a bus leaving Dolfach at 0725 arriving at Machynlleth Railway Station at 0750 to allow train travel on the 0805 train to Newtown due 0838 – Click Here to View Timetable.

Students from Carno, Clatter, Llanwnog and Caersws the School and College bus will run at its normal times – Click Here to View Timetable.

Afternoon Travel Students for Dolfach, Llanbrynmair, Commins Coch, Cemmaes Road and Machynlleth there will be a train leaving Newtown at 1607 arriving at Machynlleth Railway Station at 1645 where a bus will be waiting leaving at 1656 – Click Here to View Timetable.

The contractors will be working from 7am to 7pm five days a week during the road closure. This will allow the works to be completed as soon as possible and minimise the impact of weather delays on the programme by working at times with traditionally better weather. Weekend working will not always be possible because the repair consists of multiple concrete pours with lengthy curing times.

We are currently consulting with affect bus operators regarding alternative/replacement bus routes to aid travel around the closure. More information will be provided in due course. An alternative mode of transport to consider is travelling by rail using services between Newtown and Machynlleth. Working with partners in Powys County Council, some temporary weight restrictions will be introduced on county roads in the vicinity of the A470 works in order to deter motorists from seeking out alternative diversion routes not suitable for their vehicles. The diversion route signposted is the shortest possible alternative route utilising similar or better classes of road (A roads in the case). This ensures that all vehicles – in particular HGVs – can negotiate the route safely.

There is no statutory compensation for people or businesses that are affected by the road closure. Every effort has been made to minimise the disruption to journeys. 

Direct support from Business Wales is available for businesses facing uncertainties due to the road closure of the A470 which is tailored according to client need. Business Wales provides businesses and entrepreneurs with a single point of contact for business information, advice and support from the public, private and voluntary sectors, and can be accessed digitally via http://businesswales.gov.wales and social media channels and the 0300 060 3000 helpline. 

Business Wales offers a combination of online, telephone, 1-2-many and 1-2-1 business support and provides access to a range of general business advice, information and signposting as well as specialist strands of advice such as fair work; resource efficiency; international trade; skills; procurement; and mentoring.

A section of the diversion route, the A458 at Nant y Dugoed, has traffic signals in place following a wall collapse, but this is not expected to add significantly to journey times. Work to stabilise the wall will be carried out at the earliest opportunity once the work in Talerddig is complete.