A joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Jones Bros is set to start construction work on the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass in the UK.

The £135m project will see a new 9.8km bypass constructed to link Caernarfon and Bontnewydd in North Wales.

The bypass will be single carriageway and features alternate two lanes in one direction and a single lane in the other.

It is believed that the project will considerably cut journey times and traffic congestion.

Balfour Beatty Jones Bros has worked with the Welsh Government in the development of the project after being awarded the Early Contractor Involvement contract in 2015.

“We are confident that we will successfully deliver this highly anticipated scheme to schedule and leave behind a lasting, positive legacy for the local community.”

Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased to announce Balfour Beatty and Jones Bros will be working together to construct this significant development in North West Wales.

“I have made clear this scheme will deliver for the area and provide a boost for the region’s economy. Balfour Beatty Jones Bros will be putting this into action by offering local employment opportunities as well as placements for trainees, apprentices, and graduates.

The contract will see Balfour Beatty and Jones Bros construct 22 structures including culverts and seven bridges.

Bridges will be built over the 280m Welsh Highland Railway across Afon Gwyrfai and its flood plains, a 300m viaduct over Afon Seiont, as well as four road bridges.

Balfour Beatty Regional North and Midlands business managing director Thomas Edgcumbe said: “Having worked with Jones Bros and the Welsh Government on a number of ongoing and historic projects, we are confident that we will successfully deliver this highly anticipated scheme to schedule and leave behind a lasting, positive legacy for the local community.”

Works are scheduled to start this winter with completion expected by 2021.