Future Valleys has been appointed as the preferred bidder to deliver the £500m Valleys dualling A465 Section 5 and 6 project
The Future Valleys consortium consists of FCC, Roadbridge, Meridiam, Alun Griffiths and Atkins.
Ken Skates, minister for economy and transport, announced the appointment following a “comprehensive and robust tender evaluation”.
Skates said the announcement of a preferred bidder for the Valleys dualling programme was an important milestone for a project that would deliver “an important piece of economic infrastructure”.
Skates said: “In a post-Covid 19 and post-Brexit Wales, the completed A465 Heads of the Valleys dualling has the potential to deliver economic growth which will be vital to the people of Wales.
“The Welsh Government has and will continue to invest to ensure this region is a competitive and connected component of the UK economy.
“I expect the project to deliver around £400m of direct spend in Wales, with GVA generated for the wider Welsh economy at over £675m, Furthermore I expect to see £170m of spending with the local supply chain, supporting the objectives of the Valleys Task Force.
“This level of investment will be of critical importance as the Welsh economy strives to recover from the challenges of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”
Community benefits
He added: “In addition, delivery of the previously completed sections of the A465 dualling have been highly successful in generating a range of community benefits, including apprenticeships and training, employment of local people and businesses, spend with Welsh companies, engagement with local schools and colleges and supporting community groups and events.
“I expect this project to be even more successful in the delivery of community benefits.”
The final stage of procurement for the Valleys dualling project is due to be completed by the end of October 2020.
