Delays expected as road widened

The A55 is recognised as a major European Union link

A £4m scheme to "improve safety" on a stretch of one of Wales' busiest roads will begin later this month.

Drivers could face delays on the A55 near St Asaph, Denbighshire, when work starts at junction 27, with the first phase due for completion in June.

The carriageway will be widened, damaged bridge parapets will be repaired, while safety fences and the central reservation will be upgraded.

A second phase is due to last from November 2009 until May 2010.

The scheme was announced by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, who said: "The A55 is a key arterial route, important for the economic prosperity of north Wales, recognised as a major European Union link, and accorded high priority in our transport strategy Connecting The Nation.

Whenever possible during the busiest times of the year and in particular the summer months, traffic management will be removed Welsh Assembly Government

"With the importance of this route in mind, I am pleased to announce that I'm investing approximately £4m to replace the substandard, damaged bridge parapets and safety fences, upgrade the central reserve safety fence and widen the carriageway at junction 27 on the A55.

"The works will be carried out in two phases, with phase one commencing later this month."

The carriageway will be widened from 7.7m (25.2ft) to 9.3m (30.5ft).

The first phase will start on 24 January, focussing on the central reservation and drainage.

Substandard

The second phase will strengthen concrete plinths, replace "substandard" parapets and widen the carriageways.

The Welsh Assembly Government has confirmed "traffic management" will be required on the A525 and A55.

However, it added that "whenever possible during the busiest times of the year and in particular the summer months, traffic management will be removed".

A number of stretches of the A55 have seen roadworks in recent years.

In 2007, shopkeepers in Llanfairfechan, Conwy said major roadworks cut their trade by up to 50%.

Parts of the dual carriageway were resurfaced, and some reconstructed.

Lane closures and width restrictions saw traffic queuing almost five miles back towards Bangor.