Work on Port Talbot's multi-million new dual carriageway is gathering speed.
The Harbour Way Project is now nearly a third of the way through and is on track for completion in September 2013.
The £107 million peripheral distributor road, which has been funded by the Assembly, will provide a 4.8km link to the M4 at junction 38 into Port Talbot and the docks.
Community relations manager for contractor Costain, Ieuan Davies, said they were pleased with the progress so far as they approach the end of the first year of construction.
"September 2013 is when the road will be completed so we have got two years to go," he said.
"We are progressing well. We are ahead in some places and behind in some others, but that is not causing any concern."
Work currently being undertaken includes a new roundabout being created on the A48, which will link the road to the M4.
Part of the project is also taking shape next to Docks Road, where tarmac is expected to be laid in the next few weeks. Costain hope that this part of the road will be open after Christmas.
There is also work being carried out on a new tunnel over the existing Cefn Gwrgan Bridge in Margam.
The bridge is to be demolished in September 2012, and a new main entrance for Tata Steel will be created.
Mr Davies said that as a lot of work was not visible to the general public, they encouraged people to find out more about the project.
"Some people have come along to the visitors centre," he said. "It is always a pleasure to meet the local residents of Neath and Port Talbot.
"We do like to keep people informed, and all our information is on the website.
"It is good to be able to talk to people and answer any questions or queries they have and to show them the layout of the road."
Once completed it is hoped the road will help with traffic problems on the M4 ,and will be an attractive gateway to the town, as well as open up new development opportunities.
The Harbour Way visitors centre in North Bank Road is open every Wednesday between 1pm and 6pm.
Visit www.harbourwayproject.com
South Wales Evening Post - Friday, 11 November, 2011.
