Hill Street junction work to take three weeks longer than planned

Llanblogger has learned that work to upgrade the junction of the A5, Hill Street and Castle Street will take three weeks longer than originally planned. 

Early in the New Year it was announced that the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agent (NMWRTA) – an arm of the Welsh Government – would be starting a project to upgrade traffic signals to provide a pedestrian crossing phase and realign the Hill Street junction. 

Contractors moved in on January 9 and it was announced that work would take six weeks to be completed by today, Friday February 17. 

An elaborate network of barriers and traffic signals has since been in operation along with ‘one way’ systems on Chapel Street and also at the junction of Hill Street with the A5 - access from the A5 into Hill Street only. 

There has also been a warning from a concerned local resident that the new junction which will be created will be dangerous to pedestrians. The Welsh Government has declined to comment on this.

But now llanblogger has been shown a document by local county councillor Karen Edwards which reveals the work is not now due to be finished until March 9 – three weeks from now.   

llanblogger has requested an explanation for the extension of the work from the county council, which has so far not been given. 

However, Cllr Edwards has now shown us a copy of another notification she received from the county council this afternoon which says: "Due to changes to the original NMWTRA scheme with the addition of Puffin Crossings, along with other unforeseen changes, the anticipated end date for these works is now 09/03/23. The main contractor will do all they can to help keep disruption to a minimum during the works and return to usual operation for the community as soon as possible."