CONTROVERSIAL plans for a "superhighway" of up to seven lanes linking north Wales and north-west England have been abandoned.
A public inquiry was held in the autumn following an outcry from people living near the A494 in Flintshire.
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said he accepted the recommendation of an inspector not to widen the two-and-a-half mile stretch of road from Ewloe to Drome Corner.
Going ahead with the plans, which prompted about 2,300 objections, would have meant rehousing some people living nearby.
Mr Jones said the size of the scheme would have had a "significant impact" on the landscape and would affect cycling and walking routes.
But he suggested new plans could be brought forward to improve the flow of traffic in the area and speed up transport between north Wales and north-west England.
Mr Jones, who is responsible for the economy and transport in the coalition government, said: "I have also noted his (the inspector's) remarks that while he considers that this section of the A494 will need some form of improvement in the foreseeable future he considers that the scale of the scheme as originally proposed is greater than required."
Tory AM Brynle Williams said: "I welcome the decision to abandon this plan but also recognise that something must be done to alleviate traffic problems in the area.
"Abandoning this superhighway was the right thing to do. It is something many people have called on the government to do for some time."
