£60m A40 road upgrade officially opens in Pembrokeshire boosting economy and connectivity

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

A major infrastructure milestone has been reached in southwest Wales as the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross improvement scheme officially opened today, following a £60 million joint investment by the Welsh Government and the European Union.

The scheme, launched by First Minister Eluned Morgan, promises to enhance connectivity, reduce journey times, and significantly improve road safety. Spanning 6km, the project delivers a new carriageway, two roundabouts, two bridges, 22 culverts, an active travel route, and extensive environmental landscaping with more than 450,000 trees and plants.

Beyond its transportation benefits, the development has also provided a boost to the Welsh economy:

97% of the workforce involved were from Wales
Over 100 Welsh businesses contributed through the supply chain
The project provided employment for over 50 previously unemployed individuals and created opportunities for 16 apprentices from the local area
The scheme also brings environmental gains, with a strong focus on biodiversity:
150,000 trees and 300,000 plants have been planted
Measures to protect local wildlife – including badgers, bats, and dormice – have been implemented through dedicated fencing, underpasses, and habitat connectivity

Speaking at the official opening, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Fixing our roads is a key priority for us. We’ve spent £1bn fixing and improving our roads since 2021, including more than £250m in the past year.

“The completion of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross Improvement scheme is excellent news for Southwest Wales providing a more resilient accessible transport link for tourism and key strategic ports in Pembrokeshire.

“The scheme also helps connect local communities to key transport hubs, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles with the introduction of a new route for people wishing to cycle, walk or ride horses.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, added: “This project is an impressive piece of engineering and a great example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver on many levels, providing jobs for the local community, improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, alongside delivering environmental benefits.

“It’s been a complex project involving a number of key partners and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in helping us to deliver this.”

The upgraded route forms a critical part of the east-west transport corridor in South Wales, connecting communities and supporting local industries, including tourism, freight, and agriculture. With its delivery, the A40 scheme represents not just a modern transport upgrade, but a long-term investment in the region’s economy, people, and environment.