Fire-break won’t halt works along Kingsway
THE fire-break will see more work carried out as Swansea’s Kingsway project moves closer to completion.
Construction work can continue in line with the latest Welsh Government restrictions and this will apply to the £12 million Kingsway scheme that has progressed throughout the pandemic.
Work due to be carried out in the two weeks after fire-break started last night will include more landscaping and the repair of defects left by former main contractor Dawnus.
Swansea Council is behind the project, main contractor is Welsh firm Griffiths and greenery contractor is Wales’ Afan Landscapes.
Councillor Mark Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for environment enhancement and infrastructure management, said: “It’s important that work continues in line with restrictions as we aim to complete The Kingsway scheme early next year.
“The new-style traffic flow, larger areas for pedestrians and cyclists, and hugely increased amount of greenery are
already having a positive effect.
“More trees are coming soon although we must be careful to plant them at the right time of year.
“The Dawnus defects were identified many months ago after the fail
ure of that business. Their faulty laying of some drainage covers is now being rectified as part of a scheduled programme of remaining works.
“Costs will be recovered through insurances in place under the contract
with Dawnus.
“We were let down by Dawnus in this case but we’re now making improvements that will benefit the new-look Kingsway and help avoid future problems.
“Snagging works are a
normal part of the end of a physical development scheme and we aim to undertake this work at minimum possible inconvenience to the public. The public’s safety is our priority.
“We thank motorists for their understanding. The transformation of The Kingsway is an important step in the ongoing £1bn regeneration of our city centre.”
The drainage work is due to take place at daytime on weekdays over the next two weeks from. Stop-go signs will operate to maintain a smooth traffic flow around the short areas where work will take place.
Access will remain in place for all businesses. Emergency vehicles will be able to make progress in their usual way.
If arrangements change, they will be publicised.
The Kingsway scheme has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Funders for some other elements of Swansea’s regeneration include the Swansea Bay City Deal.
It involves improvements to The Kingsway, Orchard Street, Alexandra Road, Belle Vue Way, Grove Place, De La Beche Street, Mansel Street, Christina Street, Cradock Street Pleasant Street.
More than 180 new trees are being introduced, doubling the number of trees in that area. Large grassy areas and many plants and shrubs are being introduced.