Preparatory work to begin in Newgale as part of plans for new road in response to climate change flooding

Site investigation work will begin after Easter in Newgale as part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s response to the impact of climate change in the area.

The work starts in the week commencing 5th April and builds on plans for a new section of road inland, following consultation with the community in 2016 and 2017.

Newgale beach’s shingle bank has been breached many times. Passengers had to be rescued after a bus was hit by a large wave there during storms in February 2014. There is concern the road could be lost eventually to the sea.

Pembrokeshire Council say the work will continue for a number of weeks at locations including the car park at the bottom of Welsh Road and the coastal section of the A487 between Welsh Road and Newgale Hill. Further work will follow inland.

Specialist machinery will be taking soil and road samples and the information gathered will allow engineers to identify technical issues to refine the preferred route and design for the road element of the project.

The samples will also show how the existing coast road through Newgale might be affected by coastal erosion.

A new road will ensure travel can continue between Roch and Penycwm during times of poor weather or flooding and protect connections between the St David’s Peninsula and the rest of the County.

Other proposals for Newgale include improving footpath and cycle routes, enhancing the rich flora and fauna of the valley, maintaining access to the beach for existing users and speaking to those likely to be most directly affected by sea level rise and more frequent flooding.