Controversial plans for a seven-lane highway in Flintshire have been abandoned, the Welsh Assembly Government has announced.
Controversial plans for a seven-lane highway in Flintshire have been abandoned, the Welsh Assembly Government has announced.
The widening of a 2.5 mile stretch of the A494 road at Queensferry would have meant tenants living nearby being rehoused.
The widening of a 2.5 mile stretch of the A494 road at Queensferry would have meant tenants living nearby being rehoused.
A public inquiry was held into the Drome Corner to Ewloe Road scheme by an independent inspector last September.
A public inquiry was held into the Drome Corner to Ewloe Road scheme by an independent inspector last September.
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones confirmed the scheme has been scrapped.
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones confirmed the scheme has been scrapped.
Mr Jones, who is also transport minister in the assembly government, said: "In reaching my decision I have taken account of the concerns raised by the inspector that the overall size of the scheme would have a significant impact on the landscape and would affect walking and cycling routes.
Mr Jones, who is also transport minister in the assembly government, said: "In reaching my decision I have taken account of the concerns raised by the inspector that the overall size of the scheme would have a significant impact on the landscape and would affect walking and cycling routes.
Many people living near the road have been evicted from their homes
Many people living near the road have been evicted from their homes
"I have also noted his remarks that while he considers that this section of the A494 will need some form of improvement in the foreseeable future, he considers that the scale of the scheme as originally proposed is greater than required."
"I have also noted his remarks that while he considers that this section of the A494 will need some form of improvement in the foreseeable future, he considers that the scale of the scheme as originally proposed is greater than required."
Some 2,700 objections to the scheme were received.
Some 2,700 objections to the scheme were received.
There were strong protests against the road-widening scheme, which would raise the speed limit from 50mph to 70mph, would increase traffic and noise and "tear the heart out of the community".
There were strong protests against the road-widening scheme, which would raise the speed limit from 50mph to 70mph, would increase traffic and noise and "tear the heart out of the community".
Homes nearby were compulsorily purchased by the assembly government when plans to widen the road were revealed in January 2007.
Homes nearby were compulsorily purchased by the assembly government when plans to widen the road were revealed in January 2007.
The assembly government said it was helping tenants find new homes. Families were being given priority alternative accommodation through the local authority, but three people still remained in their homes last autumn.
The assembly government said it was helping tenants find new homes. Families were being given priority alternative accommodation through the local authority, but three people still remained in their homes last autumn.
The A494 stretch involved is from Ewloe to just beyond Queensferry
The A494 stretch involved is from Ewloe to just beyond Queensferry
The A494 links the A55 with the north west of England, bypassing places like Ewloe, Aston and Queensferry.
The A494 links the A55 with the north west of England, bypassing places like Ewloe, Aston and Queensferry.
The assembly government said congestion was already an issue along the route and would increase without the road-widening.
The assembly government said congestion was already an issue along the route and would increase without the road-widening.
North Wales Conservative AM Brynle Williams said: "Abandoning this superhighway was the right thing to do. It is something many people have called on the government to do for some time.
North Wales Conservative AM Brynle Williams said: "Abandoning this superhighway was the right thing to do. It is something many people have called on the government to do for some time.
"The assembly government now needs to work with local councils in the area to come up with workable, sensible alternative proposals to solve traffic congestion in the area."
"The assembly government now needs to work with local councils in the area to come up with workable, sensible alternative proposals to solve traffic congestion in the area."
Alyn and Deeside Labour AM Carl Sargeant added: "This is great news for local residents.
Alyn and Deeside Labour AM Carl Sargeant added: "This is great news for local residents.
"The proposed changes to the road would have had a terrible impact on the quality of life of local people and the environment here. It is the right decision."
"The proposed changes to the road would have had a terrible impact on the quality of life of local people and the environment here. It is the right decision."
Have you been affected by the issue? Have you had to move house because of the proposals? What do you think now needs to be done about the road congestion in the area? Let us know by using the form at the bottom.
Have you been affected by the issue? Have you had to move house because of the proposals? What do you think now needs to be done about the road congestion in the area? Let us know by using the form at the bottom.
It is ridiculous to scrap this scheme. This road is grossly overloaded and the number of residents widening this road would affect is tiny. The Welsh assembly are pathwtic - bowing to a relatively small number of protests. The number of regular users of the road, the congestion problem, the dangerous state of the road as it is, exta fuel burnt sitting in traffic jams etc far outweigh any protest. Typical weak government from distant politicians out of touch with reality and cave in to a minority who are misguided and ill informed. Tax payer and road user, Ruthin
It is ridiculous to scrap this scheme. This road is grossly overloaded and the number of residents widening this road would affect is tiny. The Welsh assembly are pathwtic - bowing to a relatively small number of protests. The number of regular users of the road, the congestion problem, the dangerous state of the road as it is, exta fuel burnt sitting in traffic jams etc far outweigh any protest. Typical weak government from distant politicians out of touch with reality and cave in to a minority who are misguided and ill informed. Tax payer and road user, Ruthin
This road is already the major transport link into North Wales. Improvements were not going to threaten virgin countryside. A vocal minority have swayed politicians too weak to lead effectivly. Andy, Mold, Flintshire
This road is already the major transport link into North Wales. Improvements were not going to threaten virgin countryside. A vocal minority have swayed politicians too weak to lead effectivly. Andy, Mold, Flintshire
I agree, I am a frequent user of the A494 from and to the M56. There is always congestion at busy periods, last weekend was a prime example.Ieuan Wyn Jones is typical of the government we have, weak and too concerned for votes than making the right decision.Frequent Traveller, Halkyn, Flinstshire
