Fears over traffic chaos during A5/A483 roadworks
Fears that traffic could back up through the town of Chirk while a major road bridge is closed later this month have been voiced by councillors.
The River Ceiriog Viaduct on the A5/A483 Chirk bypass needs major engineering work to replace a large expansion joint on the Shropshire side of the structure which spans the English/Welsh border.
Traffic will be diverted through Chirk during the eight day closure which will begin on February 22.
Because of a weight restriction on the old road bridge into Chirk from south, temporary traffic lights will be put on the bridge to ensure two heavy goods vehicles are not on the structure at the same time.
County councillor for Chirk, Councillor Terry Evans said the traffic lights were put up last time there was work on the bypass bridge.
"The lights really back the traffic up on both sides," he said.
Queues
"Last time there were queues all the way through Chirk, and then on the other side all the way to the Gledrid roundabout," he said.
"If the work has to be done on the new bridge then we realise traffic has to come through Chirk. But putting the lights on the old bridge can lead to complete chaos.
"When there is an accident and the bypass is closed all the traffic is diverted through the town. There are no traffic lights on the old bridge then and there has never been a problem."
Built in 1990, the viaduct spans 500 metres from the northern side of the Ceiriog Valley in Wales to its southern side in England.
After 30 years, the large expansion joint at the southern end of the viaduct is reaching the end of its operational life and must be replaced.
The work will include the demolition and reconstruction of the reinforced concrete viaduct where it joins its support on the southern side of the Ceiriog Valley.
Planned routine maintenance and bridge investigation works will also take place to make the most of the closure.
The Welsh Government and Highways England will carry out work on their own sections of the road.
Road engineers said: "The bridge must be restricted to single-lane working for the duration of the works to ensure that the bridge can carry heavier vehicles without being over-loaded."
