Conservative Councillor reveals how & when Welsh Government will have another go at resurfacing the A483

Gresford’s Councillor Jeremy Kent has provided the most detailed information on how the Welsh Government will try again in efforts to resurface part of the A483.

Full resurfacing works to Northbound and Southbound carriageway of the A483 between Junctions 6 and 7 took place from October – November 2021. However concerns were soon raised over the quality of the roadworks, with many drivers complaining of a “bumpy surface.”

Due to the suspected problems being flagged up the road was closed overnight for an inspection that “identified defects within some sections of the northbound surfacing”, at that time the southbound surface was still being worked on.

In November 2021 Wrexham.com reported that defects on the road had been identified by the Welsh Government, with “corrective resurfacing” being the only solution.

In the now traditional terrible communications the detail emerged via Cllr Kent informing some residents of Gresford. At the time of his publication no detail appeared anywhere on the works, with nothing shared by Welsh Government, Traffic Wales or Wrexham Council. Later in the afternoon some detail appeared on the Traffic Wales website (here), which was subsequently expanded to include a FAQ.

Traffic Wales famously claimed 30,000,000 vehicles used the bypass every day, communication problems resulted in many locally wondering if the bypass would be closed for a year and a half, with issues of communication also previously noted on A483 matters with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA). “Oversight” was blamed for no one knowing about Gresford junction slip roads three week closure last year – and a signage cock up meant people were lied to being told a road would not let them have access to the A483.

Last time the road was resurfaced Wrexham’s MP reported issues with the police connected to the roadworks with “congestion preventing them reaching emergency calls”, with the police themselves reporting “…a rise in the number of complaints from residents of surrounding villages, reporting increases in speeding and anti-social driving as motorists try to avoid roadworks along the A483.”

Cllr Kent’s map of the diversion route.

Detail from Cllr Kent still does not appear publicly, including: “Loads over 3.2 metres in width will not be permitted to travel on the diversion routes. Suitable holding areas will be arranged in lay-bys North and South of the works.”

The works schedule includes the following from Traffic Wales complete with the odd reversed geography in the descriptions (although not the ‘Pothouse’ roundabout or Dobhill as previously) :

A483 Northbound works between junction 7 Rossett to junction 6 Gresford

• Overnight full carriageway closure from June 12th-19th for 7 nights.

A483 Southbound works between junction 6 Gresford to Junction 7 Rossett

• Overnight full carriageway closure from June 19th-23rd for 4 nights.

A483 Northbound junction 6 Gresford slip roads

• Overnight full closure from June 23rd- 26th for 3 nights.

The road will be open during the day but a 40mph speed limit will be in place, firstly northbound then southbound to allow road users to drive on the planed surface “safely”.

Cllr Kent published the Frequently Asked Questions , which later appeared on the Traffic Wales site :

FAQs A483 J6-7 Remedial Resurfacing Works

What work is being done and why it is needed?
The works involve replacing the defective surfacing. It was not possible to complete the remedial works as part of the original programme due to colder winter temperatures.

How are these remedial works being funded?
The contractor is bound to correct the defects identified and is liable for this cost.

How long will it take to complete?
The work commences on 12/06/22 and will be completed under overnight closures for two weeks. Works will begin on the northbound and then the southbound. Further details can be found on the roadworks page below.

Why is there a 40mph speed limit reduction during the works?
The A483 will remain open during the daytime with a reduced 40mph speed limit . Firstly, northbound then southbound when the works are ongoing. This is to enable road users to drive on the planed surface safely and for the works to be carried out in as short a time as possible.

What will happen with the current 50mph speed limit on the A483?
The 50mph speed limit from junction 6 to the sewage works bridge will return to the 70mph once the works have been completed
This means the existing 50mph air quality speed limit on the A483 will return to its original extents

Where will the traffic be diverted during the A483 overnight closures?
Northbound traffic will leave the A483 at Junction 6 and follow the B5445 to the B5102 and then to Junction 7 (Rossett interchange) to re-join the A483. Southbound traffic will leave the A483 at Junction 7 and follow the B5102 to the B5445 and then to Junction 6 to re-join the A483.
During the closures of the junction 6 Gresford slip roads traffic will be directed to continue on the A483 and use the next junction.

How will you reduce disruption?
These works have been planned to take place overnight only when traffic flows are significantly lower.
The diversion route has been agreed by Wrexham County Borough Council in advance and will be fully signed and patrolled. Activated speed signs and extra signage have been placed on the diversion routes to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Will the works be noisy?
A certain amount of noise is unavoidable. However, the majority of the works will be no louder than the usual traffic noise using the dual carriageway on a daily basis.

Currently Wrexham.com has had no communication from Traffic Wales or Welsh Government.