Politicians ponder future of A494

A possible replacement for a controversial north Wales road scheme, which was abandoned earlier this year, is to be looked at in a review.

The widening of the A494 Queensferry bypass in Flintshire was scrapped after a public inquiry and local protests.

The Welsh Assembly Government says it will carry out an internal review, as business leaders say road problems in the region have to be tackled.

Public transport, alternative routes and cycling schemes will be considered.

David Williams, chairman of the North Wales Business Club said: "This problem needs to be dealt with now, and not left for the future."

He added: "Transport infrastructure across north Wales, and especially north east Wales, needs to be improved.

"Traffic volumes are increasing and one way or another that has to be addressed.

The government can't stand still on this," he said.

Protest

But a high-profile opponent of the original scheme has backed the assembly government's position.

John Butler, who wrote a protest song called "A494 Agony", said traffic could be diverted on to "the very much under-used Flint Bridge."

Mr Butler, one of many local people who campaigned against the road widening, claimed the traffic situation in the area had changed.

The number of heavy trucks has decreased because of fuel prices and concern about food miles," he said.

The upgrading of the A494 was unveiled in January 2007 to cut congestion on what is one of the main road links between north Wales and north west England.

A 2.5 mile section between Ewloe and Drome Corner was to be widened to seven lanes, with the speed limit increased from 50 mph to 70 mph.

Improvement

Homes nearby were compulsorily purchased by the assembly government.

The campaign against the scheme was fierce, and the project was abandoned by the assembly government in March after a public inquiry raised concerns about its scale and impact.

At the time, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said a replacement scheme would be needed, stating: "this section of the A494 will need some form of improvement in the foreseeable future."

Mr Jones has now announced that an "internal desk based exercise" will be carried out to consider what that replacement will be.

They include greater use of public transport, and alternative routes such as the A548.

Pedestrian and cycling schemes will also be "evaluated".

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Welsh Assembly Government
BBC - A494 development
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites