Work to start on improvements to Llanelli’s congested Sandy Road junction

The council say the aim of the work is to reduce the impact of traffic in the local area, improve the reliability of public transport journey time, enhance road safety and encourage a “modal shift” towards active travel.  

Once completed, the council says it is expected that the new layout of the Sandy Road roundabout and its approaching carriageways will reduce traffic congestion and thus improve the air quality in the local area.

Between Monday, 18 March and Wednesday 27 March, contractors will be undertaking work on the Westbound approach to the roundabout, B4304 from North Dock. During this period, traffic management will consist of a filter lane closure with a static traffic management system, (Stop/Go signs) implemented as and when required to ensure a safe working area for workers. Traffic volumes will be monitored during the implementation of any traffic management and all efforts will be made to avoid sensitive times, such as the morning and evening rush hour and school runs.

During the Easter Break, Thursday, 28 March to Easter Monday, 1 April, work will be suspended with no traffic management system left on site.

Recommencing on Tuesday, 2 April, work will continue on the Westbound approach to the roundabout with the construction of a new footway that will include realignment of a tactile crossing point and centre island. A tactile crossing point on the Eastbound lane from the roundabout to North Dock will also be built. Once again, the traffic management will consist of a filter lane closure with Stop/Go signs implemented as and when required and all efforts will be made to avoid sensitive times. It is envisaged that the work on this section will be completed by Tuesday, 9 April.

Between Wednesday, 10 April and Monday, 15 April, contractors will re-construct the traffic island and tactile crossing points on Sandpiper Road junction to the roundabout. There is no intention to introduce a static traffic management system during this stage, however, filter lane closure may be necessary.

Between Tuesday, 16 April and Friday, 26 April, contractors will re-construct the traffic island and tactile crossing points on Pembrey Road junction to the roundabout. There is no intention to introduce a static traffic management system during this stage, however, filter lane closure may be necessary.

The council says that on completion of the above works, the scheme will improve safety at the Sandy Road Roundabout crossing points and reduce queuing traffic on the Westbound approach to the roundabout, from the B4304 Coastal Link Road.

Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr. Edward Thomas said: “It is very good news that works will very shortly be underway to improve this section of Sandy Road in Llanelli. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents and road users for their patience whilst we carry out these important works – the long-term gains will by far outweigh the short-term pain for all.”

Cllr Martyn Palfreman and Cllr Edward Skinner, both representing the Hengoed ward said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the first phase of improvements to help alleviate the chronic congestion that has blighted Sandy Road. Whilst confident that motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will see a positive difference as a result of these works, we are clear that this is just a start and will be continuing to make the case on behalf of residents for funding to be made available to implement further enhancements in the area.”

Carmarthenshire County Council has submitted an application to the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund to finance three further stages of improvement works on the A484, Sandy Road between Sandy Road Roundabout and Denham Avenue.

This follows consultation work the council did in 2021on improvements to the traffic hotspot.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

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