Works on Ammanford transport scheme making progress

WORKS on a major new transport scheme in Ammanford to help ease traffic congestion and facilitate future regeneration plans are making progress.

The £1.8million scheme involves the construction of a new roundabout to replace the traffic lights at the Wind Street & Tirydail Lane junction.

Initial works to widen the approach to the junction from the Carregamman car park roundabout along William Walker Way started last month (February) and are due to be completed late April / early May.

The second phase of works which includes the demolition of a small number of properties on the south west side of the junction of Wind Street and Tirydail Lane will start after Easter, followed by the construction of the roundabout.

Temporary traffic lights will be installed at the junction to help manage traffic during the demolition phase of the construction works. These will be controlled manually during the working day to help keep disruption to a minimum as much as possible. At all other times the existing traffic signals will remain in operation until the final stages of the construction works.

The works are being carried out on behalf of the council by Alun Griffiths (Construction) Ltd and the whole scheme is scheduled for completion by December 2018. Griffiths have appointed a community liaison officer to help keep local residents and businesses updated as the scheme progresses.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “I am delighted that good progress is being made on this scheme, which is much needed. Although it will cause some inevitable disruption short-term whilst the works are being carried out, long-term it will reduce traffic congestion problems in the town, particularly during peak times.

“Ammanford is a key location in Carmarthenshire and has an important role in providing services and facilities to surrounding communities, it is anticipated the road improvements will help support the wider regeneration plans for Ammanford and the Amman Valley.

“The Wind Street & Tirydail Lane junction improvement scheme will contribute significantly in terms of access to key businesses currently operating in and around Ammanford; and the vision is to encourage a greater number of visitors into the town and experience the extensive range of goods and services on offer.”

The council has received a grant of £865,000 from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund 2017/18 towards the scheme, with a further £50,000 received last month, to add to the £120,000 grant from the Local Transport Fund 2016/17.

Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said: “I am confident this grant will address congestion issues and support economic regeneration aspirations of this area. In total Welsh Government have invested £31.4 million to local authorities across Wales for schemes to improve safety, create economic growth and promote active travel.”