The A465 Heads of the Valleys road upgrade in South Wales, which began in 2002, is set to conclude after 23 years of construction. Initially designed to enhance travel and spur economic growth in an area long affected by the decline of coal mining, the £2 billion project has faced delays and budget overruns. Despite criticisms from locals and political representatives about the lengthy process, Welsh ministers assert that the improvements will benefit communities and ease congestion on neighboring roads. Environmental concerns have also been addressed through extensive tree planting and habitat preservation efforts.