Transport for Wales in the UK has selected Future Valleys consortium (FCC, Roadbridge, Meridiam, Alun Griffiths, and Atkins) as preferred bidder for the A465 Road Sections 5 and 6 Improvements Project. The appointment of the preferred bidder is an important project milestone ahead of the awarding of a final contract, expected in October. The appointment has been made following a comprehensive technical, legal, and commercial evaluation.

Future Valleys comprises large international construction companies alongside established financial investors, partnered with Welsh contractors and designers with knowledge of the area of the local supply chain.

The project involves the upgrading of sections 5 and 6 of the A465, 17.7km of road between Dowlais Top, Merthyr Tydfil and Hirwaun, to standard dual carriageway (four-lane highway). It also involves the construction of 2.2km of road off the A465 (1.4km from Hirwaun to Trewaun and 0.8km from Taff Fechan to Gurnos Farm), six full movement grade-separated junctions along the road sections, 35 widened or constructed bridges, 41 culverts and 40 retaining walls, as well as the operation and maintenance of the upgraded A465 segment.

As well as improving Wales’ transport infrastructure the scheme will support economic growth in the region. The Welsh Government’s Valleys Taskforce has identified investment in the A465 as an important means of delivering change for the South Wales Valleys.

The project will be implemented through the Welsh Government's Mutual Investment Model ("MIM") a distinct model for procuring public-private partnerships projects in Wales. The project´s estimated value is GBP 500 million (USD 621 million). The duration of the contract will be 397 months (approx. 33 years).