**Ambitious Road Repair Programme Targets 200,000 Potholes on Welsh Highways**
A sweeping initiative to address one of Wales’ most visible infrastructure challenges is gathering pace, as the Welsh Government embarks on a major campaign to tackle the state’s deteriorating roads. Backed by an additional £10 million in funding, the campaign is expected to pave the way for up to £120 million in capital investment over the next two years, bringing much-needed improvements to local roads and pavements across all 22 Welsh council areas.
The works, which have already commenced in locations such as the A458 in Conwy County, represent one of the earliest phases of a comprehensive resurfacing and repair effort. Approximately 600 kilometres of local roads are set to be resurfaced within this financial year alone. Local authorities are concentrating on the sections most in need, with projections indicating that over 200,000 potholes will either be fixed or prevented as part of the scheme.
The road surfaces are not the sole focus of this ambitious project. Pedestrian areas in towns and villages will also see repairs, aiming to improve daily journeys for residents and visitors travelling on foot. This emphasis on accessibility aligns with ongoing efforts to encourage more active travel and safer walking routes throughout Wales.
A key feature of the initiative is its collaborative approach. The scheme has been developed in partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), ensuring that each council receives the support necessary to undertake significant upgrades to their road networks. The plan’s scope extends beyond short-term fixes, striving for long-lasting improvements to make Welsh roads more resilient and decrease the frequency of future repairs.
In Conwy County, the resurfacing work on the A458 between Abergele and Llangernyw stands as a prominent example of the programme’s early impact. Around 14 kilometres of this key route are undergoing upgrades, which are anticipated to rectify and prevent roughly 4,000 potholes. This section, now partially completed, is among the first in Wales to benefit from the government’s focused attention and resources.
Ken Skates, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, visited the site on 25 June to observe the progress firsthand and underscore the importance of the work. “Fixing our roads is a top priority for this government,” Mr Skates said. “Beyond our strategic road network, we are empowering local authorities with additional resources to address issues on local roads, making a real, tangible difference in communities across Wales.”
This sentiment was echoed by Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Transport and Facilities. Welcoming the government’s investment, Cllr Edwards highlighted the critical value of roads within council assets. “Our road network is the Council’s largest and most valuable asset, and it’s vital for our residents’ daily lives,” he stated. The recent funding boost, coupled with a further £2 million from the council’s own pot, means over £6 million will be dedicated this year alone to road resurfacing in Conwy, targeting both existing and potential potholes.
With Welsh roads frequently cited by drivers as being in need of attention, this large-scale repair and preventative strategy is expected to make streets safer and journeys smoother for motorists and pedestrians alike across the nation.
While the upgrades are set to deliver immediate relief for those affected by bumpy journeys, government and council leaders also emphasise their commitment to long-term maintenance and the sustainability of Welsh infrastructure. The ongoing works are anticipated to serve as a model for future collaborations between local authorities and central government.
As the scheme progresses through 2025 and beyond, regular updates are expected as more roads and pavements are improved, communities benefit from smoother journeys, and the visibility of potholes on Welsh highways becomes a thing of the past.