“Work well underway” on goal of fixing problematic A483 Wrexham bypass junctions

Preliminary work on improving junctions 3 to 6 of the A483 Wrexham bypass is ongoing, and it has been revealed ‘intervention’ is also planned around the Halton roundabout, with development work planned to start sometime in 2020.

In a Welsh Assembly session for questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates AM, the topic of junction improvements on the bypass came up.

Back in March we reported how Mr Skates had given a three year timeframe for improvements at an event in Wrexham, with that comment referenced in the question.

North Wales AM Llyr Gruffydd asked: “The A483, of course, which you’re familiar with the Wrexham bypass, is a key transport artery for north-east Wales, and for many years now improvements have been needed to the junctions connecting it to the town, and it is the responsibility, of course, of the Welsh Government.

“I think you yourself described Ruthin Road junction earlier this year as dangerous, following a tragic accident where a cyclist died. Now, you’ll be aware that, of course, wasn’t the only accident that’s happened in recent times at that junction and, indeed, the economic development of the area is being hampered by these issues.”

“Back in May, you did announce, of course, that the problems regarding the junction would be solved within three years and that funding would be forthcoming. We’re nearly six months into those three years. So, I was wondering whether you could give us an update as to whether that funding is forthcoming, because people locally, of course, just want to get a move on and see it done.”

Ken Skates AM replied: “The Member is absolutely right about congestion on the A483 and roads that lead onto that major trunk road, in particular Ruthin Road. There is a specific problem with the green filter light at the Ruthin Road junction, which needs to be resolved by the local authority.

“I’m in correspondence with Wrexham County Borough Council regarding that particular issue. But the Member is also right that junctions 3 to 6 on the A483 do require attention.

“I am pleased to say that we are progressing a study into solutions for easing congestion on those junctions. We’re now at stage two of the Welsh Government’s WelTAG process. That’s been commissioned and the preferred solution is expected at the start of 2020, with work to commence thereafter.”

“In addition to this, we’ve also identified, as part of the £24 million pinch-point programme, an A483 intervention specifically around the Halton roundabout further south of that particular junction that the Member raises. So, work is well under way in addressing all of those junctions and the Halton roundabout.”

Llyr Gruffydd AM commented after the debate: “The cabinet secretary has made a very specific pledge on the A483. It’s vital for future employment that certain junctions are upgraded and I didn’t hear of any costings in his answer. That’s a worry because these upgrades would cost tens of millions.

“At a time of ongoing austerity, I’m not clear on where the money is coming from and will continue to hold this Labour government to account on the matter.”