The Welsh Government has confirmed it is to investigate the possibility of de-trunking and re-routing the A40 trunk road through Abergavenny.
In a letter to Monmouth MP David Davies, the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart AM, said she had asked her officials to investigate the issues regarding the de-trunking of the A40 and to look into the potential for providing signing for through traffic via the A4143 over Llanfoist Bridge.
These matters will need to be considered in conjunction with Monmouthshire County Council as the A4143 is a local road and not part of the trunk road network, added the Minister.
Mr Davies, who has been campaigning for a de-trunking scheme since 2002 when he was an Assembly Member, described the announcement as “fantastic news”.
“This issue has been debated for more than a decade and I am absolutely delighted the Welsh Government has agreed to consider requests for the A40 to be re-classified as part of a wider review of all trunk roads in Wales.
“I’m aware the Minister recently visited Abergavenny to see for herself the dangers faced by people trying to cross Monmouth Road and I would like to commend local resident and County Councillor Maureen Powell, who has been fighting very hard for a pedestrian crossing and pressing the case for the de-trunking of the A40 through the town centre.
“Obviously, Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay and myself will continue to support Councillor Powell to bring about these much needed safety improvements and I look forward to action being taken.”