The signalised junction reopened on Friday 29 August following months of work funded through the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund.
The new lights use an “intelligent” system that responds to real‑time traffic conditions, aiming to cut congestion and improve safety on the A484.
Settling‑in period
Carmarthenshire County Council says it will take a few weeks for the system to “learn” local traffic patterns and for drivers to get used to the new layout.
During this time, motorists may notice traffic not flowing as smoothly as expected. The council says this is normal and performance should improve steadily, with the system running at full efficiency by the end of September.
Traffic will also be monitored closely, with further adjustments made if needed.
‘Thank you for your patience’
Cllr Edward Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, said:
“We know how important this route is, and the new signal system has been designed to help ease congestion and improve traffic flow over the long term.
As with any new infrastructure, there will be a short adjustment period as the system learns and adapts to traffic patterns, and as drivers get used to the new layout.
My thanks go to the local community for their patience, and to our delivery teams and partners for working hard to deliver this complex scheme within a tight timeframe.”
Residents still want bigger fixes
While the council says the new signals will improve traffic flow, some residents have long argued that traffic lights are part of the problem rather than the solution. Over the years, community voices have called for more ambitious changes — from scrapping the lights altogether to rethinking how traffic moves through the area.
One recurring suggestion has been to create an alternative access road into the Stradey Park housing estate, taking pressure off Sandy Road at peak times. Others believe only a bypass would truly solve the congestion, noise and air quality issues that have dogged the route for years. Campaigners have also floated ideas such as switching the lights for a mini‑roundabout – but the council have warned that there is insufficient space for this.
Despite the completion of the latest works, many locals say they will keep pressing for a long‑term fix that goes beyond the current junction upgrade.
Car park reopens
The final works in the residents’ car park to the rear of Sandy Road have also been completed and the facility has now reopened.
The council has thanked residents, businesses and all road users for their cooperation during the construction period.
