£57m link road to give Cardiff “major boost” ahead of UEFA Champions league final
In a visit to see the progress on the £57m Eastern Bay link road project, the Economy Secretary stressed the impact such projects can have on the local and wider economy, particularly in a city like Cardiff that regularly hosts major events.
Ken Skates said:
“It’s great to see the Eastern Bay link road project nearing completion. The new road will provide both Cardiff and Cardiff Bay with a major boost by greatly improving access, connections and journey times.
“And, of course, in the short term it will contribute to the success of the largest global sporting event of 2017 – the UEFA Champions League final, hosted here in Cardiff.
“The Welsh Government’s record in attracting major events to Wales is something I am extremely proud of. We already have a strong reputation as a world class host and we will continue to work to build on that, through June’s Champions League final and next year’s Volvo Ocean Race, amongst others.
“These are events which will see hundreds of thousands of extra visitors coming to Wales and to Cardiff in particular and it’s imperative that our infrastructure matches our ambition. The link road will be open to buses and coaches for the duration of the Champions League final weekend – providing quick and easy access to and from Cardiff Bay, and will be open to all vehicles shortly after the event.
“This summer we look forward to attracting visitors from all over the world and I’m delighted that we will be able to do so with this major link road in place.”
City of Cardiff Council Leader Cllr Phil Bale said:
“I am delighted that the Eastern Bay Link Road will be open to coaches and buses in time for the Champions League Final in June.
“With many thousands of football fans heading to Cardiff by coach for the game, the new link road will play a major part in helping to ease the flow of traffic around the city during what is sure to be one of the greatest sporting events the capital has ever hosted.”