Roadworks holding up main route

ROADWORKS at a busy roundabout are causing knock-on congestion on one of the main routes into Cardiff from the Valleys.

Work at the Pwyll-y-pant roundabout in Caerphilly began on October 9 – and has already caused major delays for drivers.

Now, as drivers search for alternative routes, the A470 is being affected, with increased traffic volumes and queues for motorists.

Dee Jones drives from her home in Merthyr Tydfil every morning to Caerphilly where she works at ACT Training on Sir Alfred Owen Way.

The 24-year-old said her commute used to take 35 minutes along the A470, but since work began on the roundabout it now takes over an hour every day.

“I do think it’s all to do with the roadworks because the A470 was fine before that, but now everybody is looking for another route,” she said.

“Last week the queues were tailed back to the Abercynon roundabout, but usually it’s from Pontypridd down.”

She said she has to check her sat nav every morning to find the quickest route to work.

Ms Jones said: “It’s just stressful really. I leave five minutes later and I can be 25 minutes late for work.”

People in Llanbradach, near the Pwll-y-pant roundabout, have also complained of long delays.

Villager Deborah Wright, 56, said drivers attempting to avoid the roundabout works were resorting to narrow country roads.

“It’s taking an hour to do a 20 minute journey,” the estate agent sales negotiator said.

AM Russell George, Conservative spokesperson for transport, said: “The traffic congestion near Caerphilly and the corresponding knock on effects on the A470 are causing despair for commuters and businesses alike.

“A very worrying pattern is now emerging characterised by long and costly delays to road projects throughout the country. These delays are putting a completely unacceptable strain on businesses and communities across Wales.

“The works on all major roads in Wales must be delivered as quickly as possible to ensure minimum disruption to commuters – especially as we move towards the busy Christmas period.”

Caerphilly councillor for Llanbradach, Colin Mann, said the scheme was necessary – but questioned whether it could have been carried out more efficiently.

He said: “I would like the council and contractors to get together to see if changes can be done to minimise inconvenience. I accept it might add some additional time to the scheme but we cannot have 12 months more of this chaotic situation which is disrupting the lives of tens of thousands of people.”

A spokesman for Caerphilly council said: “The council is aware of the concerns of motorists and the local business community about the impact of these essential improvement works. Engagement is already taking place and we are considering options to improve traffic flow in the critical preChristmas period, which we hope to announce soon.

“The long awaited improvements will increase capacity at this key strategic location, as well as reducing congestion. We apologise for the inconvenience while the work is ongoing.”