Drivers facing disruption as works to begin
COMMUTERS will face major travel disruption as work is set to begin on a busy roundabout in Neath.
From May 23, a series of roadworks will happen on Aberdulais roundabout, which backs onto the A465 dual carriageway.
The works will block part of the roundabout for a number of weeks for 24 hours a day.
Residents who use the route regularly are worried about getting their children to school on time as well as the ease of access for emergency services.
Vicki Leclerc, from Crynant, said she understands that the work needs to be done, but would like to see an access point so people can travel without worrying about serious delays. She said she would have to leave home a considerable amount of time earlier to take her young children to school.
The 33-year-old said: “We understand this is essential work, but we just wish there was a simple access point for us to get our kids to school on time and for emergency services to use. If it was going to be just the five days, that would be a bit of a pain but it would be okay, but then it goes on longer. It would have been better if this was done in lockdown or if it was pushed back to happen in the summer holidays.
“The problem is that by blocking that section of the roundabout off, they’re blocking people in Aberdulais, Crynant, Seven Sisters and Banwen from getting their children to school on time. We live in Crynant and we need to go to Cadoxton to take our children to school.
“Ideally, we would want traffic lights and a oneway system going towards Cadoxton. As it is, it would take us an extra 45 minutes a day to get our children to school, bearing in mind the congestion. And not to mention the emergency services. If someone had a heart attack they would have to double back on themselves to get to the patient without access to that road, adding time to their journey.”
The disruption includes a five-day closure from May 23 at 8pm to May 28 at 8pm. Over that period, the road will be closed 24 hours each day. It will
then re-open for bank holiday weekend, but will close for a further four weeks between May 31 at 8pm and June 25 at 8pm. From July 23 the road will close each night between 8pm and 6am for two weeks until August 6. However, these dates are subject to change.
According to the South Wales Trunk Road Agency, responsible for the works on behalf of the Welsh Government, some noise disturbances should be expected, particularly from the works beginning July 23. However, a spokesman said “every effort will be made to minimise any inconvenience caused, with noisier activities being carried out earlier in the evening”.
The Welsh Government was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.