WALES' new Transport Secretary has said new road schemes, including a third Menai crossing and a road scheme in Flintshire, could be considered moving forward.
Ken Skates was appointed as the new Transport Secretary last week and spoke of his potential plans on BBC Radio Wales' Sunday Supplement yesterday (March 24).
The MS for Clwyd South said that new schemes would be considered if they reflect the "climate emergency" and put Wales at the "forefront of design".
Mr Skates' comments come after the Welsh Government scrapped all new major projects last year, which saw a controversial end to the 'red route' in Flintshire.
The red route would have seen a new eight-mile stretch of dual carriageway linking the A55 at Northop with the A494 and A550 north of Deeside Parkway Junction via the Flintshire Bridge.
It included other improvements and modifications, such as upgrading the A548 over Flintshire Bridge between Connah's Quay and the Wirral.
It was decided upon after a public consultation in 2017 as a solution to heavy traffic and air pollution on the A494 Aston Hill.
Alongside a potential new scheme in Flintshire, an idea for a third Menai Strait crossing could be considered.
Mr Skates said: "We haven't stopped building roads, but we do need to deal with the criteria for new road building schemes which states that you can't build them if it leads to extra capacity.
"That's caused difficulty in terms of considering schemes, and interpretation. In terms of major road building, we cannot ignore the reality of public finances, we now face real difficulties in public funding."
When discussing plans for the Flintshire corridor and Menai crossing, Mr Skates added: "Absolutely, they are certainly on my desk for consideration and they have been considered extensively by the North Wales Transport Commission.
"There is popular support for both of them, amongst people who want to improve air quality and congestion, but we can’t just consider the schemes that were designed many years ago.
"We have to ensure they reflect the climate emergency we face."
As well as plans for new schemes, Mr Skates revealed a large part of his new role will include 'listening' to the views of residents, councillors and experts on issues such as the 20mph speed limit.
Mr Skates said: "I’ve had a very full discussion with the new First Minister about what he wants me to do and the priority is to listen and to take action based on the listening.
"Whether it’s on 20mph, road building or any other matter and that applies to both portfolios of transport and north Wales.
"I am going to listen to people, I’m going to listen to councillors that represent communities and I'm going to listen to experts. I’m determined to solve problems."
Mr Skates also said he'd be "very open" to discussions with the UK Government over funding to implement new plans moving forward.
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