A £400,000 resurfacing scheme on the A472 between Monkswood and Little Mill has been completed, delivering improved road conditions and a noticeable reduction in traffic noise for local residents.

The 17-day programme was delivered on schedule by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) and its contractors, despite challenging conditions including extreme heat and the requirement to reopen the road daily by 3.30pm.

The Llanbadoc Community Council has welcomed the completion of the long-awaited works on this key local route.

Cllr Tony Kear described the project as “terrific” and praised those involved for their delivery under pressure.

“Planned works have been completed as expected. MCC and associated contractors have delivered a terrific project – carefully planned and executed against a time-pressure backdrop of reopening every day at 3.30pm and the unusual excessive heat.”

“It is worth remembering that the tarmac arrives at around 160°C, so the teams have been working in extremely demanding conditions not usually encountered.”

Further finishing works will be carried out over the coming weeks, including the application of red anti-skid surfacing at several locations. These will be undertaken using temporary traffic lights or manual stop/go systems, including around the traffic lights on Berthon Road.

Cllr Kear also praised the site teams for their communication and coordination throughout the works.

“To the onsite team led Wayne, Lee and John I pass on my huge thanks for being so open and cooperative in passing on updates during my daily visits. There was a lot to accommodate and coordinate, particularly nurse and carer visits, and the team worked hard to minimise disruption wherever possible.”

Additional works included clearing drains and gullies, cutting back roadside hedges, and litter picking to improve the overall appearance of the route.

Thanks were also extended to Little Mill Village Hall and The Little Jockey for providing car park facilities during the project. This type of community involvement has helped hugely.

Following completion, Cllr Kear has written to Monmouthshire County Council Chief Executive Paul Matthews to formally thank the authority, staff, and contractors for delivering the scheme, praising the planning, coordination, and professionalism shown throughout.

Residents have already reported significant benefits. Deborah Brock-Bradford said: “The road surface on Berthon Road is now so much better, and the reduction in noise from vehicles no longer hitting potholes is remarkable. It has made a huge difference to my sleep and improved my quality of life no end!”

Cllr Kear has encouraged further feedback from residents and motorists, which he will pass on to Monmouthshire County Council.

With only minor finishing works remaining, the project marks a significant upgrade to the A472 between Monkswood and Little Mill.

The extensive daytime closures (9:30 am to 3:30 pm), which caused significant 30-mile strategic diversions across Usk, Goytre, and Glascoed, officially concluded in early August 2026.

Tarmacking was completed on schedule, followed by final road lining and safety snags. The road is now fully re-opened to all regular through-traffic.