MASTERPLAN READY TO TRANSFORM OUR ROADS
A THIRD lane on key stretches of the A55, a second Penmaenbach tunnel, average speed enforcement and a new diversion route are on a list of 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 Penmaenmawr.
But in April Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates commissioned a major report to identify other possible improvements to further enhance the resilience of the A55 and other vital routes.
The Network Resilience WELTAG Stage One report – compiled by consultants WSP – has now been released. It lists several “quick wins” to improve roads in the short term, and a number of medium and longterm options that could significantly change the existing highways.
Mr Skates 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. I hope this announcement will mean communities and businesses in North Wales and beyond can look forward with confidence to continued improvements and limited disruption, with the prospect of major improvements to come.”
The consultants say they have gone through an “exhaustive” list of options and narrowed them down to ones considered viable, with benefits to resilience and the travelling public.
They are therefore recommended to be taken forward for consideration during Stage 2.
Major schemes proposed in the longer term (over 30 months):
New Penmaenbach tunnel, near Conwy, for eastbound traffic to replace 30mph headland route, or an enhanced marine embankment to improve the eastbound headland route and bring the limit up to 70mph
Third lane expressway at key congestion hotspots
Create a new A55 diversion route by upgrading the Roman Road between Tal-y-Bont (near Bangor) and Madryn junction (Llanfairfechan)
Wind deflectors on Britannia Bridge Provision of hard shoulder Road widening at A470 south of Waterloo Bridge, Betws-y-Coed.
A bypass around Llanrwst was also on the list but the report does not recommended taking this forward to Stage 2. It states: “Any of these options, if taken forward, will need the involvement and agreement from other stakeholders. All options will require close working with these groups.”