The Welsh Government has confirmed that it was aware of "defects" in the A470 more than a year before the collapse of a side wall last week that left the road closed.
The Government has confirmed that they were made aware of "minor defects" in the stretch of road near Talerddig before the collapse left a substantial hole in the side of the road.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Regular monitoring work picked up minor defects prior to July 2022 but these were not considered a risk to the carriageway.
“Following deterioration, we have been working to develop a plan for remedial works, with temporary traffic management in place.”
READ MORE: Huge diversion in place after hole appears in A470 in Powys
The road has been closed since Thursday last week (November 9) between Carno and Dolfach after the sidewall collapsed after heavy rain leaving a significant hole in the structure of the highway.
This closure has led to traffic disruption through out the area with a 66 mile official detour being put in force by the Welsh Government, leading to many using narrow one lane side roads to avoid it.
⚠️We’ve had a retaining wall on the A470 collapse.
— Traffic Wales North & Mid (@TrafficWalesN) November 9, 2023
As a safety measure the A470 will be closed immediately (north) west of Talerddig, between Carno and Dolfach until further notice.
Local diversions in place.
We will provide more updates in due course. pic.twitter.com/SMfWMwynHh
This in turn has led to many villages in the area having unusually bad traffic issues, with far more vehicles than usual using the roads.
The closure has also led to disruption with public transport with multiple bus routes being shortened or cancelled.
Plaid Cymru councillor Elwyn Vaughan said: "Naturally, the recent bad weather and heavy rain with the river running alongside the road has accelerated the deterioration and has undermined the supporting wall.
"However, with lights having been at this location for nearly two years, it was obvious to many that work needed to be done and as has been proven, a stich in time saves nine.
"Failure to invest and correct the situation earlier has resulted in a much more expensive job. It also highlights the need to invest in our infrastructure and for the funds to do that to.
"Billions have been wasted on the HS2 project of which Wales saw no consequential funding. That much needed funding would have been of immense assistance to upgrade our infrastructure and make it appropriate for the 21st century."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel