Work on a major active travel project to upgrade walking, wheeling, and cycling links between Brecon and Brynich Roundabout is set to begin in November, Powys County Council has confirmed.

The scheme will widen the existing footway along the southern, canal side of the B4601, extending from the Cambrian Way mini-roundabout towards Groesffordd.

Designed to boost accessibility and encourage residents to choose active travel over car journeys for daily trips, the route forms part of a wider push across the region to modernise transport links. Most of the upgraded path will be operated as a shared-use space for pedestrians and cyclists. However, inside the 20mph zone, cyclists will continue using the carriageway while the footway remains exclusively for pedestrians.

Construction will take place across two separate phases. Phase one, starting next month, targets the stretch between Cambrian Way - near the Morrisons petrol station - and the Pen-y-Bryn junction. A second phase, extending the route all the way to Brynich Roundabout, is earmarked for 2027/28.

Financed through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund, the scheme was identified via the county’s Active Travel Network Map consultation process.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said: “The network of Active Travel routes across the county continues to grow and we are delighted that this latest scheme in Brecon will soon be underway.

“These improvements will provide a safer, more accessible and better-connected route in and around Brecon, making it easier for people to choose to walk or cycle instead of using their car for short, everyday journeys such as travelling to work, school or the local shops.

“Traffic management will be needed while the improvements are carried out, but every effort will be made to minimise disruption. We would like to thank residents and road users in advance for their patience and cooperation.”