Newbridge Road repair details 'almost finalised' Skates is told

* Ken Skates MS on site at Newbridge Road.

Details of repairs to the collapsed Newbridge Road are now almost finalised, according to Wrexham Council.

This is the key message from the statement received by Clwyd South MS Ken Skates when he asked the council for an update on the road which provides a lifeline into the local community. 

The B5605 is also a major diversion route when the nearby A483/A5 is shut and its closure has meant heavy traffic being sent through Llangollen instead on two occasions recently. 

Mr Skates is told in the official response: "Wrexham County Borough Council have been fortunate to have been awarded grant funding by the Welsh Government for the numerous tasks required towards implementation of a scheme of repair within the particularly challenging environment that it is in and around the landslip area. 

"In collaboration with Atkins Consulting Engineers who have been appointed to support Wrexham Council Borough Council, and our Design and Build Contractors, Jones Bros Ltd, ground investigation work has been completed and the resulting detailed report on the findings has enabled design options to be developed for a scheme of permanent repair to the embankment and road.

"Whilst we are conscious that the relative lack of visibility on site may be perceived as lack of progress being made overall, we are pleased to confirm that significant progress has been made and the details of the permanent repair is now almost finalised.

"As planning progresses towards the main repair works, on Monday 19th February the road closure order for the affected section of road was extended to also apply to pedestrians and cyclists. From this week onwards, Jones Bros will be commencing their advanced works. This will include diverting existing services, and forming the temporary access road that is required to enable the permanent repair to the landslip itself.

"As a result there will be increased activity on site from now onwards, and as the repair scheme progresses further stages will follow towards a full re-opening of the B5605 when any closures will finally be removed.

"The detailed programme of works is progressing well, but is yet to be completely finalised, however regular updates continue to be posted on Jones Bros’ Facebook page that is dedicated to the Newbridge landslip."

Mr Skates said: "The Welsh Labour Government has given Wrexham Council almost £3m of extra funding to repair the landslip, with the £2.8m announced in April 2022 in addition to £175,000 earlier awarded for ground investigations and detailed designs of remedial works.

"I have been as frustrated as everyone else - we all wanted the road repaired and reopened as soon as possible.

"With the council now saying that significant progress has been made and the final details of the repair nearly completed, hopefully people will soon see a visible acceleration of the remedial work.

"I am also speaking to the contractors and hope to visit the site over the next couple of weeks to hear more about the schedule of works and get an on-the-ground update."

The Facebook page for updates is: 

Newbridge Landslip Remediation Scheme