Bypass crossing would be real danger to bike users
‘Surely the traffic would back up’ say those opposed to A487 crossing
CAMPAIGNERS fear plans to install traffic lights at a roundabout on the proposed Caernarfon bypass will lead to “traffic chaos” and possible accidents.
The Welsh Government has said it favours providing a toucan crossing on the existing A487 at the roundabout once the new Caernarfon-Bontnewydd bypass is open to address safety concerns over cyclists and pedestrians using the route.
But local politicians and cyclists and walkers insist that installing a bridge or underpass on the roundabout which forms the start of the bypass would be the “safer option.”
Currently, walkers and cyclists using the popular Lon Eifion trail cross the A499 Pwllheli Road as the cycle path reaches the roundabout.
Under the proposals, the cycle trail would be diverted leaving cyclists having to cross the existing A487 trunk road to the south of the roundabout and the detrunked A487 road to Bontnewydd to reach the other side of the cycle path. And campaigners have said this would make the roundabout more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians - and called in a protest on the A487 at Llanwnda in September for there to be provision for walkers, cyclists or horse riders in the plans.
Arfon AM Siân Gwenllian, said that as well as not addressing safety concerns, pedestrian and cyclist controlled lights would also cause traffic to stop and back-up at the roundabout and nearby roads.
Ms Gwenllian, who wrote to the Welsh Government last week calling for a bridge or underpass at the roundabout, said: “I accept that there will be less traffic on the trunk road at the roundabout once the by-pass is open.”
“Nevertheless, pedestrian and cyclist-controlled lights will stop the traffic flow. A red light on the road approaching from the south will simply stop traffic and cause a backup (this on a 60 MPH road.)”
“The lights stopping traffic from the north as it leaves the island are likely to cause chaos. Traffic will surely back up around the island and affect all the other roads, halting the various traffic flows.”
Hywel Williams MP said the toucan lights would be likely to bring disruption and delays and possible accidents on the roundabout.
Mr Williams said: “How can this sort of crossing with all the drawbacks be regarded as a long-term solution when a bridge or underpass would at a stroke solve the whole conflict of use question?”
A Welsh Government spokesper- son added: “A safe crossing of the existing A487 trunk road will be provided using ‘Toucan’ traffic signals suitable for pedestrians and cyclists with a staggered central island for safe refuge. Traffic flows on the detrunked A487 road will be significantly reduced after the opening of the Bypass so there are no proposals for a signalised crossing at this location.
“The proposals would divert the Lon Eifion National Cycle Network (NCN) to cross the existing A487 trunk road to the south of Goat Roundabout and the detrunked A487 road to Bontnewydd.
“This means users will not have to cross the new A487 Caernarfon and Bontnewydd Bypass or the existing A499 road to Pwllheli, which users currently have to cross.”