Rhondda Cynon Taf residents are set to benefit from a £30 million boost to the local economy as works to provide major upgrades is set to begin to the A4119.

The scheme – backed by over £11 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund – will create a dual carriageway along a 1.5km route from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters Roundabout to the Coed-Ely Roundabout.

The road is a vital link to the M4 and the Rhondda Valleys, but currently overcapacity and congested, slowing down residents travelling to work and visiting family and friends. The new scheme is set to reduce average travel time along the A4119 between Ynys Maerdy and Coedely by over five minutes – a reduction of over 60%.

Baroness Vere, Roads Minister, said:

"Local schemes like this will transform journeys for communities and bring many benefits, from easing congestion and improving air quality, to improving access to employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. The £11.4 million we provided for the A4119 will future-proof connections to South Wales and the Rhondda Valleys for years to come."