Revealed: Masterplan to transform our road network
THERE will be no routine daytime work involving lane closures on the A55 between Bangor and the English border until at least September 2018.
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said significant Welsh Government investment over recent years means no such planned closures will be required.
This extends the pledge which has seen no works on that section of the route during the day since early April. Emergency work will continue to take place whenever and wherever necessary.
Mr Skates said: “I know only too well how important a fully functioning A55 is to communities across North Wales and my commitment to delivering improvements to this vital economic artery is unwavering.
“This year has seen the culmination of four years of imperative work to bring the A55’s tunnels up to modern standards, alongside recent road surface improvements, flood alleviation work, urgent maintenance work and more.
“With the proposed Deeside corridor, third Menai Crossing, Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass, A55 roundabouts at J15 (Llanfairfechan) and J16 (Penmaenmawr) and A55 J13 (Abergwyngregyn) to J12 (Tal y Bont) schemes all at various stages of planning or delivery, this Government term will likely see the biggest investment in roads in North Wales for decades, maybe ever. That’s something I’m extremely proud of.”
He added: “Whilst the nature of projects both past and future means daytime work is unavoidable at times, I’ve been very clear of my wish to minimise daytime work where ever possible.
“I’m delighted, therefore, to confirm that improvement works planned until next September will see no daytime lane closures at all on this stretch. All such planned work will be completed overnight or under narrow dual lanes.
“The decision brings with it obvious costs and challenges, and I’d like to put on record my thanks to the many contractors, shift workers and agents who will continue to work long, unsociable hours in all conditions so that disruptions to road users can be kept to a minimum.” A THIRD lane on key stretches of the A55, a second Penmaenbach tunnel, nel, average speed enforcement and a new diversion route are on a list of f future options to transform the road network of North Wales.
The Welsh Government is already planning major schemes in the coming years such as the Deeside corridor, third Menai Crossing and roundabout removal at Llanfairfechan and Penmaennmawr.
But in April Economy and Infra- nfra- structure Secretary Ken Skates commissioned a major report re to identify other possible improvements improv to further enhance the r resilience of the A55 and other vital vita routes. The Network Resilience WELTAG Stage One report – compiled by consultants WSP – has now been released. It lists several “quick wins” to im improve roads in the short te term, and a number of medium an and long-term options that cou could significantly change the exist existing highways. Mr Skates (left) said: “The study has considered all aspects of the road from Holyhead to Post House, associated routes such as the A494 corridor from the Ewloe Interchange to Drome Corner and diversion routes.
“As a result, we will be implementing a number of interventions we can put in place quickly to improve the travel experience whilst considering other potential improvements for the future.
“These ‘quick win’ measures will complement existing plans along this key strategic route and help minimise the frequency and impact of incidents and breakdowns.”
He added: “I hope today’s announcements will mean communities and businesses in