A DECISION on the controversial dualling of the Heads of the Valleys Road between Abergavenny and Brynmawr is expected to be made by a Welsh minister next month.

A report on the proposal was submitted by planning inspector Bill Wadrup following a three-week public inquiry held at the Old School Community Centre, Gilwern, during March. His recommendation is now being considered by Edwina Hart, the minister for economy, science and transport.

The inquiry looked at options to amend and improve the route, including building a major new junction at Brynmawr, new slip roads and the re-aligning of a 2.2km stretch of carriageway.

The work to turn the final 8.1km stretch of the A465 into a dual carriageway by construction firm Costain Limited is due to begin later this year and would be completed in 2017 at a cost of £190.1million. It involves making compulsory purchase land orders.

The schemes were unveiled at three exhibitions in May last year and followed an 18-month consultation which included surveys, questionnaires and meetings with local organisations and residents.

It includes a 50mph speed limit, improved junctions and viewpoints of the Gorge, extra lay-bys at Sale Yard and Clydach Gorge, a safer cycling crossing at Brynmawr and a split-level carriageway.

At the inquiry, Graham Walters, an advocate on behalf of the Welsh Government, presented the case for the authority because the A465 is a trunk road.

He said the scheme covers 122 hectares of land and the demolition of at least eight buildings.

Mr Walters said the upgrade would provide better access to West Wales and improve links to Central Wales and the West Midlands. It would reduce congestion and journey times, improve safety for users and contribute to the regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys area. The project would create an average of 250 jobs for local people and 350 at its peak. The Argus contacted the Welsh Government but no-one was available for comment.