Heads of the Valleys A465 upgrade after £82m funding

Road works to create a dual carriageway on a stretch of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road will go ahead after the award of £82m of funding.

After securing European funding, the Welsh government said dualling of the Brynmawr to Tredegar road could progress.

The work is part of a wider scheme to improve the road, ease congestion and tackle accident hotspots.

Construction is expected to start next year, with completion due in 2015.

Last week, the Welsh government announced it was generating £300m to widen sections of the A465 through a partnership with the private sector.

European funding for the Brynmawr to Tredegar stretch is in addition to £40m of capital investment previously announced by the Welsh government.

The work will realign nearly three miles (4.7km) of the current route, and nearly two miles (3.1km) of the existing three-lane road will become a dual carriageway.

About 2.5 miles (4km) of cycle routes will be created, along with a rest area, tourist information and view points.