Plan for new junction revealed as A483 Wrexham bypass improvement consultation opens

Plans have been unveiled for a new junction on the A483 Wrexham bypass, along with improvements to other junctions on the road.

The information has been released as part of a new Welsh Government consultation exercise to the proposed project.

Parts of the newly launched consultation will be familiar to readers who saw coverage last year of the consultation event, with similar slides and timescale graphics used. Today sees the first view of firm mapped plans on what the changes, and new junction, could look like and the locations of the works.

In May 2018 Minister Ken Skates MS announced that key congestion points on the bypass would be ‘resolved inside three years’, with funding announced at the same time. The timescale in the documents indicates the design and construct phase is still pencilled in for 2022, with a decision on if to develop the junctions taken in early 2021 after a Public Inquiry.

Today Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “Action needs to be taken on this stretch of the A483. Left as it is the situation will hinder the growth of Wrexham and the North Wales region as a whole.”

“Following a thorough assessment process I’m pleased that we are now able to publish the preferred options for the four junctions. As a result of this scheme we plan to achieve more opportunities for active travel, better public transport links, improved traffic flow leading to improved air quality. ”

“I would urge everyone who uses the A483 in the Wrexham area to have their say on these plans which are vital to the region.”

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “The A483 is a vital part of the road network in Wrexham and the wider North Wales area. It’s important that improvements take place to ease congestion and benefit the area. They will also improve Active Travel routes in the area. Please take the time to take part and let the Welsh Government have your views.”

A total of 56 options were initially identified and “through a process of engineering, transport and environmental appraisal, options were assessed to identify a short list” and then “further refinement of the short list”.

The newly announced options “would improve access into Wrexham, improve journey times and provide new active travel links for local residents. The proposals being presented can be constructed and delivered with minimal impact on existing traffic.”

The proposed options are:

• Junction 3 (Wrexham road): minor changes to the junction with active travel improvements
• Junction 4 (Ruthin road): major changes to the junction with active travel improvements
• Junction 5 (Plas Coch roundabout / Mold road): active travel improvements
• Junction 6 (A5156 / Gresford interchange): minor changes to the junction with active travel improvements

The full PDF is here, however the below images show each of the proposed junction changes. You can take part in the consultation by clicking here and completing the online form.

Gresford Roundabout will see an additional lane on Chester Road southbound approach and the Blue Bell Lane approach plus “Improve walking and cycling provision”.

Click for large image.

Plas Coch / Mold Road junction will see new traffic lights proposed for the Mold Road entry to the junction, plus “active travel improvements for east/west access” and “improved
signalisation of the Plas Coch circulatory”.

Click for large image.

Junction 3 by Rhostyllen will see an additional “flare lane” on the B5605 approach to the roundabout, plus “active travel improvements for east/west access.”

Click for large image.

The biggest proposal is an entirely new junction on Ruthin Road. The new junction will replace the existing junction with new gyratory, retaining the existing A525
overbridge so any work will not impact traffic (much) and could increase capacity. As with others, the plan says the new junction will improve the walking and cycling provision along the A525 across the A483.

The new junction creates two roundabouts to nowhere in fields, giving an indication to possible new use for the area. One local rumour is a new junction could enable a new hospital to be built to the west of the A483, with land nearby being sold off to a ‘special purchaser’.

The new junction is pencilled in as taking 15,000 ‘annual average daily traffic flow’ by 2037, with the existing junction indicating 17,000 average daily flow at the same time.

Click for large image.

Although as we previously reported the local events in June last year were quite thin, there are two more local ones planned where you can view information about the proposed scheme.

Events will take place at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Wrexham on Wednesday 23rd September 2020, 10:00 to 20:00 and Thursday 24 September 2020, 10:00 to 20:00.

Look out for pricey less read than ever multi page Welsh Government statutory notices giving the same information over the coming weeks as well to stay fully informed.

You can take part in the consultation by clicking here and completing the online form. You need to submit your response by 22 November 2020.