A survey to find solutions to the major traffic problems affecting one of mid Wales' largest town's is underway.
Calls for a town bypass to ease congestion have been made
The Parsons Brinckerhoff firm has been appointed by the assembly government to assess the situation in Newtown.
There have been calls for a bypass for more than 30 years, and this will be one of the options considered by the consultants.
Warnings Newtown is danger of being "choked by traffic" have been made by people living in the town.
An assembly government spokeswoman said Parsons Brinckerhoff had been commissioned to investigate ways of reducing traffic congestion in Newtown.
"The commission involves carrying out a number of surveys analysing traffic and transportation issues," she added.
She said a range of solutions, including a bypass, would be considered.
The survey will finish in 2009 and will be followed by a public consultation process, which will allow people to comment on its findings.
Town mayor Sue Lawson said people in the town had been calling for a bypass for more than 30 years.
"A bypass would alleviate a lot of problems," she said.
"I am constantly being asked when is Newtown getting a bypass and we're fighting to achieve that.
"At the moment large lorries are forced to travel through housing estates, past schools and the local sports centre, everywhere where you'd expect to find children, because the vehicles can't get under a bridge in the town."
Town county councillor Richard Noyce has said the town is in danger of being "choked by traffic".