A £30 million scheme on the A55 to improve safety, further protect against flooding and provide a new active travel route is making good progress, the Minister for North Wales said after visiting the site.

The Abergwyngregyn to Tai’r Meibion plans will improve safety and resilience along a 2.2 km stretch by removing direct accesses off the carriageway, as well as getting rid of eight gaps in the central reservation which currently allow slow-moving agricultural vehicles to cross the A55.

It will enhance the protection of the carriageway from flooding, building on work already done to deal with the impact of climate change.

Four kilometres of active travel routes are also part of the scheme, which will help encourage more walking and cycling in the area.

Lesley Griffiths MS said: “This major scheme on the A55 is important to improve the resilience and safety on this particular stretch.

“There are a number of issues which need to be addressed, such as the crossings across the carriageway, and the increased rainfall as a result of climate change.

“The scheme also delivers an enhanced provision for cyclists and walkers, with an additional four kilometres of active travel route.

“I’m pleased to have met some of the local people working on the project. It’s good to see that as well as improving safety on this busy stretch of road the scheme is also delivering economic benefits to the area.”

The work is being carried out by Alun Griffiths Contractors, who are employing workers primarily based in the area already.

Griffiths are training two apprentice engineers and are taking on a graduate project management student in August for a two-week period to help gain work experience.

Stephen Tomkins, managing director of Alun Griffiths, added: “As a Welsh-based business, Griffiths are privileged to be working with Welsh Government on this prestigious project.

“The project aligns well with key focus areas for Griffiths including active travel, carbon net zero and social value.

“We are proud to have a locally-employed workforce, 75 per cent of whom are Welsh speakers, who are committed to leaving a lasting legacy which to date has included three local apprentices as part of our extensive social value investment.”

Aled Griffith, trainee quantity surveyor, who met the Minister for North Wales during her visit, said: “I feel very proud to have secured employment locally with Griffiths.

“Having joined at a difficult time, two weeks before the first lockdown, Griffiths were very supportive in ensuring that I could continue my employment.

“I have also been fortunate in securing a position on a degree course at Liverpool John Moores University that Griffiths are supporting me with.

“Being surrounded by experienced colleagues and working on some challenging projects has really helped me put what I learn in university into practice.”

The £30 million scheme, which includes £14.7 million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2022.