This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/south_east/6974274.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
First Minister opens £98m by-pass Morgan opens £98m Rhondda by-pass
(3 days later)
A plaque to mark the completion of an award-winning road has been unveiled by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.A plaque to mark the completion of an award-winning road has been unveiled by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.
The £98m Porth relief road project in Rhondda has eased traffic problems in the area and it is hoped it will encourage business and investment.The £98m Porth relief road project in Rhondda has eased traffic problems in the area and it is hoped it will encourage business and investment.
As part of the project, 11 bridges, including the landmark Rheola Bridge, have been built or replaced.As part of the project, 11 bridges, including the landmark Rheola Bridge, have been built or replaced.
A three mile (5km) community route for cyclists and walkers has also been developed as part of the project. A three-mile (5km) community route for cyclists and walkers has also been developed as part of the project.
The road was opened to traffic in December 2006, but work continued on landscaping.The road was opened to traffic in December 2006, but work continued on landscaping.
The plaque was unveiled by Mr Morgan at Porth square.The plaque was unveiled by Mr Morgan at Porth square.
The project includes the landmark Rheola Bridge at Porth.Enlarge ImageThe project includes the landmark Rheola Bridge at Porth.Enlarge Image
He said: "This new route will provide significant benefits in terms of journey time savings, the environment and regeneration."He said: "This new route will provide significant benefits in terms of journey time savings, the environment and regeneration."
Councillor Eudine Hanagan, cabinet member for transport at Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), said the project had involved complex engineering.Councillor Eudine Hanagan, cabinet member for transport at Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), said the project had involved complex engineering.
"Residents have already had the benefits of swifter travel in and around the Porth area for over eight months now."Residents have already had the benefits of swifter travel in and around the Porth area for over eight months now.
"The relief road is a very real example of the council's actions to regenerate and develop the economy of Rhondda Cynon Taf.""The relief road is a very real example of the council's actions to regenerate and develop the economy of Rhondda Cynon Taf."
Since its completion, the five-mile stretch of carriageway from the Heritage Park roundabout in Trehafod to Pontygwaith has received awards.Since its completion, the five-mile stretch of carriageway from the Heritage Park roundabout in Trehafod to Pontygwaith has received awards.
They include a constructing excellence award and a UK-wide Highways and Transportation 'Effective Partnerships' Award.They include a constructing excellence award and a UK-wide Highways and Transportation 'Effective Partnerships' Award.
The project was a partnership between RCT and construction company Costain, with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.The project was a partnership between RCT and construction company Costain, with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.