Powys Levelling Up Fund Bid - Round 2

Introduction

In 2021, Powys County Council submitted a bid to the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund seeking funding for a scheme to provide new walking and cycling infrastructure, Rights of Way refurbishment and road resurfacing. Together, these scheme elements will improve walking and cycling provision in the county and increase the county’s accessibility and attractiveness to visitors – descriptions and locations of these scheme elements can be found below. As part of the application process, the council is now looking to seek views of local businesses and organisations to better understand how the scheme will benefit them and the wider county.

The purpose of the fund is to provide one-off investment in infrastructure which will make a real difference for local people and the local economy. The following proposals have been shortlisted from a list of options that were identified in the Mid Wales Local Transport Plan 2015-20 based on their alignment with the requirements for the Levelling Up Fund. Together, the schemes will provide improved connectivity for visitors and residents, making the county’s unique scenery and market towns easier to explore.

The schemes being proposed are as follows:

Active Travel

• Shared walking and cycling route between Llandrindod Wells and Howey along the eastern side of the A483
• Walking and cycling routes between Crickhowell and Llangattock

Rights of Way

Powys has several large structures that are currently not fit for purpose and have become or are in threat of becoming inaccessible due to their poor condition. These structures are considered key links for ensuring local connectivity; without intervention, the existing Rights of Way network will have significant gaps. The Rights of Way refurbishments included are as follows and shown on the map below:

• Afon Gam Bridge, Llangadfan
• Black footbridge, Berriew
• Fron footbridge, Garthmyl
• Festival footbridge, Caersws
• Devil’s Gulch (Elan Valley)
• Pont y Milgu footbridge, Cwm Twrch

Highway Resurfacing

Public engagement in Powys consistently shows that the repair of roads, footways and cycleways is very important to highway users and local communities. The local highway network has evolved over a very long period of time and therefore much of it was not designed or constructed to the standards that would be expected of a newly constructed highway today. Consequently, many local highways are less resilient to changing traffic demands (traffic flows, agricultural equipment and diversification) and severe weather events. The Council has identified key locations in need of resurfacing to improve access to walking and cycling routes and to visitor attractions. Indicative areas where resurfacing schemes are proposed are shown on the map below.