Calls for improvements to junctions on Shropshire border trunk road
Councillors and members of the Welsh parliament have made am 11th-hour plea to the Welsh Government not to ditch crucial junction improvements on the A483 north of the Shropshire border.
Ahead of an imminent decision over road improvements across Wales, Clwyd South Member of the Senedd, Ken Skates, met the minister responsible for transport, Lee Waters, to press for "vital" work to go ahead.
There are daily long queues on the southbound side of the A483, where the road funnels from a dual carriageway into two lanes to cross bridges over the Rivers Dee and Ceiriog before the border with Shropshire, as well as queues north.
“The Welsh Government paused work on improvements to the A483 in order to consider them in the context of the climate emergency,” said Mr Skates.
“I’ve consistently argued that the improvements are vital in reducing emissions, safeguarding pedestrian safety on nearby roads and in ensuring buses can operate reliably. It is vital that junction improvements along the A483 are progressed.”
“This decision will impact on the lives of people living in local villages, towns and the city of Wrexham for years to come – a green light for the improvements is essential," Mr Skates added.
It is hoped that the go-ahead for improvements at junctions 3-6 on the A483 would open the door for further work to improve junction 1 at Ruabon – and the Halton roundabout on the edge of Chirk.
Councillor Frank Hemmings, who represents Chirk North on Wrexham Council, said: “I have written to the minister in the past regarding the A483 improvements. This road is the heartbeat of North East Wales, linking to Shropshire, Mid Wales and the North West of England. We are seeing long delays between Ruabon and Halton on a daily basis, with traffic queueing for some distance either way and creating even more pollution.”
Cefn Mawr councillor Derek Wright said: “I fully support Ken on demanding urgent improvements to the A483. It’s simply unable to cope with the volume of traffic now using it. When you look at the money spent on the junction of the A483-A5 just south of Oswestry, why do we have to put up with the daily congestion in both directions all the way to the Post House roundabout south of Chester.”
