Swansea is set to benefit further from a boost in funding, developing bus shelters and cycle routes. Reporter Chad Welsch finds out which direction the money is going….

HIGHWAYS and by-ways of Swansea are to be given a huge boost thanks to almost £3 million of funding.

Bus shelters, footpaths and cycleways look set to benefit from the cash, which is destined to improve the transport infrastructure in the city.

Mark Thomas, cabinet member for environment and transport, said the total package of funding amounted to almost £2.9 million and included match-funding of more than £900,000 from the council.

The latest stage of the Morfa Relief Road is set to benefit from £1.4 million of the funding from the Welsh Government and Swansea Council.

But cash is also being made available from the Local Transport Fund for upgraded cycle network routes, as well as footpaths, bus shelters and other public transport facilities on Fabian Way.

“We all know how important Fabian Way is now and in the years ahead it’s going to be even more important because of the Swansea University second campus,” said Mr Thomas.

“That’s why the Welsh Government has agreed to proposals for a new shared cycle and footpath on the north side of Fabian Way, and 10 new bus shelters offering real-time electronic passenger information to keep users updated.”

With Swansea University’s Bay Campus expected to open this autumn for the start of the next academic year, Mr Thomas believes this campus will be a major boost to the local economy and will provide opportunities that the city can take advantage of.

“Investment in our infrastructure like roads and public transport is an investment in our city’s economic well-being for years to come,” said Mr Thomas.

Members of Swansea Council’s cabinet have agreed the report highlighting the transport grant on offer, which also included a further £1.4 million for the latest section of the Morfa Distributor Road.

Approximately £960,000 will be needed next year to complete this scheme.

This new road has been designed to boost the regeneration of the Tawe riverside corridor that runs from the Liberty Stadium to New Cut Road.

It is hoped that it will offer opportunities for development in the former Hafod Copperworks area, improved access to jobs and services, but also reduction to congestion and air quality problems on Neath Road in Hafod.

As well as the road links, the project aims to benefit cycle and walking links.

Cycle network improvements agreed by the cabinet include funding for the restoration of the Bascule Bridge over the River Tawe near to the Liberty Stadium in Landore.

There are also plans for a 1.8 kilometre shared cycle and footpath between Pluck Pond Road and Jersey Road.

The route will follow the alignment of the former Swansea Vale railway line.

Council leader councillor Rob Stewart has previously called the Morfa Distributor Road “one of our city’s more important road-building projects over the last few years”.