£8 million road scheme opened

A multi-million pound road scheme, improving access to some of Pembrokeshire’s major industrial sites, has been officially opened.

The Bulford Road improvement scheme was opened by Edwina Hart, Welsh Minister for Economy, Science and Transport this morning (Monday, 20th July).

The two-lane 2.7 km road link between Johnston and Tiers Cross improves traffic access to major employment and industrial sites on the north-west shore of the Haven.

The £8 million project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund together with match funding from Pembrokeshire County Council.

The Minister said the new road would greatly improve access to businesses in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone and was vital for its long term development.

“It also includes safe walking and cycling paths linking the communities of Tiers Cross and Johnston,” she said.

“The Welsh Government is committed to investing in transport infrastructure to improve access to jobs and services.”

The Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Keith Lewis, said: “I’m delighted that this new access road is now open – it’s been long awaited.

“As well as improving access to some nationally important industrial sites, it also provides an alternative route for traffic on the western side of Milford Haven thereby reducing the need for heavy traffic to pass through the town” he said.

“And in addition, the upgraded highway also provides a vital link between the two rural communities of Tiers Cross and Johnston.”

Before its upgrade, Bulford Road was a single-track road with passing places, which served the major strategic energy sites in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone including the Murco Oil Refinery (now Puma Energy), South Hook LNG and other development sites located to the west of Milford Haven.

The alternative access was generally via Milford Haven Town centre.

The improvement scheme is the culmination of eight years of design and preparation with construction starting in 2014.

As well as linking the major industrial and employment sites and other industries in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone, the project also includes the provision of a shared use path to encourage active travel and provides designated walking and cycling links between the communities of Johnston and Tiers Cross.

Construction work was undertaken by Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd with supervising consultant Atkins Ltd.