Roundabout now back to two lanes to ease traffic tailbacks

TWO lanes have reopened on a Caerphilly roundabout after months of improvement works which caused massive tailbacks approaching the town.

The Pwll-y-pant roundabout, known locally as the Cedar Tree roundabout, has been subject to the works which were initially meant to last 11 months.

The aim of the works is to improve journey times and reduce traffic travelling through Caerphilly town centre.

But following public outcry and a petition which received more than 7,000 signatures, Caerphilly council agreed to make changes to the timetable of the works.

Councillor Sean Morgan, deputy leader of the council, said: “We are pleased with the progress being made on site and we very much welcome this latest positive step forward in the delivery of the overall programme of works.

“The council’s engineering team continues to work closely with the contractor, Walters UK, to explore all options available to reduce disruption whilst undertaking these necessary works.

“We would like to thank everyone in the community for their ongoing patience and co-operation.”

The roundabout has been operating under single lane restrictions since the new year with traffic travelling south of the Llanbradach bypass required to merge into one lane.

It is likely the contractors will need to return to single lane arrangement for a few weeks during August to complete elements of the scheme, which will coincide with summer school holidays.

Changes have also been made to the design on the Bedwas and Trecenydd exits, meaning temporary traffic lights during peak time will no longer be required.