Confirmation from the Welsh Government that improvements to the A40 will go ahead following the collapse of contractor Carillion has been welcomed by local AMs and councillors.

Cabinet Member for Economy and Transport Ken Skates, in a letter to AMs, confirmed this week that £50 million will be invested to improve the Trans European Network route between St. Clears and Haverfordwest.

Arup will take over responsibility for the scheme between Llanddewi Velfrey and Penblewin, with £22milllion of the £35million scheme funded by the European Union.

County based Assembly Member Eluned Morgan and Narberth Labour Councillor Vic Dennis have welcomed the news.

Eluned Morgan AM said: “Since the collapse of Carillion, infrastructure schemes across Wales have been thrown into chaos.

“ I welcome this £50 million investment by the Welsh Government supported by the EU to improve safety and journey times on this important national route.

“The use of a 2+1 scheme as we’ve seen on the A477 will allow for further upgrading in future. With work set to begin next year, I very much hope the residents of Llanddewi Velfrey and the thousands of commuters who use the A40 every day will also welcome this positive development.”

Clr. Vic Dennis, Labour’s councillor in Narberth, added: “The A40 is a vital route for the economic prosperity of our county, but I am particularly concerned about safety at the Redstone Cross junction on behalf of the residents of Narberth.

“I have held discussions at County Hall and elsewhere to ensure action is taken on improving safety to prevent any further fatalities at this busy crossroads. I am pleased that the Welsh Government is looking seriously at these concerns and I will continue to lobby for improvements to take place as quickly as possible using the EU funds that have already been earmarked.”