Mid Wales AM sees red over delay in removing traffic lights
Temporary traffic lights causing delays on a main road through Mid Wales need to be removed as soon as possible, says an AM.
The traffic lights have been in place on the A483 at Abermule, near Newtown, for more than six weeks, since a lorry overturned into a canal alongside the road. The lorry was removed a couple of days after the accident on January 20, but Montgomeryshire AM Russell George said there is no end in sight for roadworks at the scene.
Mr George said he has written to Edwina Hart, Welsh Assembly transport minister, who could give him no timeframe on the work.
The traffic lights have caused delays for up to 10 minutes for traffic travelling along the road.
Mr George said: "I appreciate that there are a number of factors which are impacting upon the repair including the restoration of the verge and the fact that the site is of special scientific interest.
"However, I'm not happy that it has taken over six weeks since the crash to repair the barriers and remove the temporary traffic lights on the A483 between Newtown and Welshpool.
"The minister has been unable to give me an exact date for completion of the work. This is frustrating as some weeks, there seems to have been absolutely no progress at all."
"I urge the Welsh Government to work with partner organisations including the Canal and River Trust to ensure that the temporary lights are removed and the crash barriers are repaired without further delay."
Mrs Hart said: "The contractor undertaking works to deal with the contaminated soil and pollution in the canal on behalf of the insurer has been waiting for approval from the Canal and River Trust to enter the river.
"The trust had previously raised concerns but these have now been dealt with.
"There are several factors that are also impacting on the repair. These include structural restoration of the verge, provision of the a compliant vehicle restraint system and proximity of the canal.
"The site is also within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and contains European Protected Species.
"I am unable to give an exact date for completion, however, my officials along with the key stakeholders will endeavour to complete the work as quickly as possible."
