THE construction of Newport's Southern Distributor Road reaches a major milestone early next week with the first cars set to travel along parts of it.

The switch is expected to be reached within the next seven days with traffic running along the new section of road along Ringland Way.

While some traffic disruption is likely during the changeover, the switch from the old road to the new road is being hailed as a significant landmark in the £55 million project.

A new traffic management arrangement will direct traffic on to the newly constructed carriageway between the Holiday Inn and a point just east of the Balfe Road roundabout.

Councillor Graham Dally, cabinet member for transport and sustainable development, said: "Vehicles using part of the SDR road for the first time is a key stage in the progress of the road's construction.

"When complete the SDR road will have a real impact in and around the city providing an alternative and accessible route for heavy traffic and other vehicles.

"This is turn will reduce congestion and subsequent pollution as well as improving access to industrial areas in the east and south of the city."

The switch has been designed by expert engineers and contractors to ensure the minimum disruption to road users and the situation will be monitored closely over the coming weeks.

The junctions affected will be Coed Rhedyn (Trikon Factory access), Beatty Road, Cot Hill and Hartridge Farm Road. Traffic exiting from the Holiday Inn on to Ringland Way will only be able to turn left (towards the Coldra).

Once complete, the SDR will link the M4 at the junction 24 Coldra roundabout to the Pont Ebbw roundabout near Tredegar Park to divert traffic away from Newport centre.

Work on the SDR road, which is the largest Private Finance Initiative scheme in Wales, is due to finish by autumn 2004.