Earlier this week, (13th January), Wrexham’s MP, Sarah Atherton met with representatives from the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) after requesting an urgent meeting for an update on the A483 roadworks.
Since the A483 roadworks started on 5th February, Sarah has been contacted by many constituents regarding delays, with daily commutes taking twice as long and ambulances getting stuck in gridlock. Following this, Ms Atherton wrote to the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters outlining constituents concerns with disruption caused by the roadworks. A couple of weeks later and on the same day as the Welsh Road’s Review announcement, Ms Atherton received a response from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change. However, it lacked the desired detail, so a meeting was requested with the Deputy Minister for Climate Change to discuss the roadworks and the Welsh Government’s Road Review, which stops the A483 bypass being built.
During the meeting, NMWTRA confirmed that apart from a couple of days delay due to the snow last week, they are on schedule and the works estimated completion date is 2nd April. The tarmac used in resurfacing the A483 between junctions 3-6 ensures road users enjoy optimal ride quality and durability and guarantees noise reduction for residents in the surrounding areas. On top of this, NMWTRA confirmed that they will be planting more trees between Ty Gwyn Lane and Hampshire Drive, as such improving air quality adjacent to the new housing development along the A483.
NMWTRA stressed that this tarmac is different from the previous tarmac that rippled, an error caused by the contractor, and was rectified at the contractor’s expense. In addition, in response to constituent’s complaints, NMWTRA confirmed that the temporary traffic lights outside Darland School were requested by the local councillor as well as Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC).
Sarah Atherton MP commented:
‘The recent meeting with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) was not only productive but restored wavering confidence that decisive and timely action is being taken by NMWTRA to improve the condition of the A483 for commuters, residents, and tourists. Most importantly, it was pleasing to hear that NMWTRA is on track to finish the works by 2nd April, and NMWTRA has confirmed that initial problems have been rectified to ensure minimal disruption for constituents.
Considering 75% of respondents to my transport survey said that they rely solely on cars, it is disappointing that - as a result of the Welsh Government’s Road Review - thousands of A483 weekly road users will not benefit from a bypass, now made impossible by the Welsh Government’s ban on building new roads. Time and time again the Welsh Government fails to prioritise spending money where it really matters. The A483 Connectivity, both within Wales and cross border, is vital for growth and sadly at the moment we are being held back. As such, I am seeking a meeting with the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters to discuss these concerns. The Welsh Government needs to step up and give Wrexham a transport system fit for our rapidly expanding city.’
Read the article here: Wrexham: End date in sight for A483 roadworks | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)