Will the Minister outline if any issues have been identified with the design or materials used in the construction of the original build of the Newtown bypass which now requires maintenance works to be carried out?
The company secured to build the Newtown bypass has a contractual obligation to maintain the landscaping and planting for 5 years after completion. This may include verge grass cutting and maintenance or replacement of any planting that has not grown as expected, for example. They also have a contractual obligation to rectify defects identified under the terms of their contract.
Following routine inspections, areas of planting have been identified where plants have died/not taken and these have been replaced. In addition, areas of carriageway surface course have been identified as defective and these have also been replaced.