Bridge closures with 14-mile diversion leave town facing gridlock chaos
Motorists in Wales are bracing themselves for extended delays as a vital road on the Wales-England border is set to be closed for four consecutive nights. The A483 Dee Viaduct in Wrexham, which has been in operation for 34 years, requires essential structural inspections. Traffic Wales has announced that the crucial inspections and maintenance work on the viaduct will be carried out from Monday, November 11, to Friday, November 15, with nightly operations scheduled between 9pm and 6am.
The closure of the impressive 348-metre concrete viaduct, towering 57.3 metres above the River Dee, is expected to cause significant disruption due to the absence of an alternative route – the B5605 in Newbridge, which is still undergoing repairs following damage from Storm Christoph in January 2021. The repair work on the B5605 is expected to be completed by May 2025. Consequently, the closure of the A483 will force drivers to navigate a lengthy 14.3-mile detour through Llangollen and its historic bridge, raising concerns about heightened traffic congestion.
To minimise inconvenience, Traffic Wales has assured the public that the works will be conducted overnight when traffic volumes are typically lower. However, other significant roadworks are also underway in North Wales, including works on the A487 bypass roundabout in Porthmadog, where temporary traffic signals are set to be operational for four days starting November 4. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid potential delays.
Furthermore, ongoing carriageway maintenance along the A55 is impacting westbound sliproads between J20 Brompton Avenue and J18 Llandudno Junction, with one lane closure and complete shutdown of J19 sliproads planned for November 5-6 between 8pm-6am.
In addition to these developments, travellers are facing potential setbacks as the closure of the A483 Dee Viaduct will undoubtedly lead to traffic chaos. With the designated 14-mile diversion route posing challenges for drivers, authorities are working to ensure the maintenance work is completed efficiently and with minimal disruption to the local community.
As road infrastructure across North Wales undergoes maintenance and improvement works, motorists are advised to stay informed about upcoming closures and diversions to help navigate the region’s road network successfully. Stay updated on the latest traffic and travel news to plan your journeys effectively during these essential maintenance operations.
This closure highlights the critical need for infrastructure maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of key transport routes connecting communities and facilitating travel across the region.
By keeping abreast of roadwork updates and planning alternative routes, drivers can help alleviate congestion and ensure smoother journeys during these necessary maintenance activities. The collaborative efforts of authorities and motorists are essential in managing the challenges posed by temporary road closures and diversions to maintain a safe and efficient road network for all users.