Councillor gets answer to why diverted traffic is coming through Llangollen

* The official diversion through Llangollen - even though Newbridge Road is now open again.

A highways official has answered a Llangollen county councillor's urgent question about why traffic is still being diverted through Llangollen today due to the closure of the A5 and A483 viaducts due to the weather - even though Newbridge Road is now open again. 

The viaducts are closed until 3pm today as the current forecast indicates wind speed over the 55mph closure threshold due to storm Amy. 

The approved diversion route https://bit.ly/3xtcqWl goes via Llangollen even though Newbridge was re-opened to traffic yesterday after years of repair work.

That has prompted numerous people to ask on social media why this shorter route cannot be used instead.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards has been in touch with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent seeking an answer.

She asked: "Why is the diversion route going through Llangollen, when the Newbridge B5605 is now open?"

An official responded: "Because we must always utilise trunk roads for our service to accommodate HGV’s etc, drivers can determine their own route if safe to do so."

A southbound lane closure and 30mph speed restriction will remain in place until wind speeds have lowered further, says Traffic Wales.

 

Latest updates will be provided via www.traffic.wales, X and Facebook.

 

Discover how traffic is managed during high winds on the viaducts to help keep road users safe : High Winds A5 Ceiriog and A483 Dee Viaduct | Traffic Wales