Improvement works to commence at Sandy Road Roundabout, Llanelli

Much anticipated improvement works to the A484, Sandy Road roundabout in Llanelli are due to kick start on Monday, 18 March 2024, that will aim 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, 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.

What work is being carried out and how will it affect traffic locally?

Whilst Carmarthenshire County Council acknowledges that the roadworks and resulting lane closures will likely cause delays for road users, the Local Authority and contractors will be striving to keep disruption to a minimum.

The following dates are an estimate of the timeline of the scheme and are subject to slight amendments, depending on the various factors involved with a construction project of this sort.

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.

On completion of the above works, this 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.

Why are these improvement works taking place?

It has been long recognised that the A484 at Sandy Road, Llanelli is a significant congestion hot spot within Carmarthenshire. As a consequence, this section of road experiences high congestion levels, air quality issues and impacts journey time reliability on key public transport routes.

Through local engagement and public consultations, Carmarthenshire County Council has evaluated a number of options for the site. This work involved carrying out detailed technical assessments on approximately 20 different options to determine the most appropriate and effective long-term solution. Given the need for an effective intervention, as early as possible, and the desire to address impacts on the residents of Llanelli and the wider environment, a shortlist of options was evaluated and a preferred option consulted on.

Are there any further improvement works planned after this?

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. The implementation of these three stages, which were the subject of extensive consultation with residents in 2021. is subject to a successful outcome of the application.

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.”

The delivery of the improvement works to the A484, Sandy Road roundabout is aligned with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Third Well-being Objective, to enable its communities and environment to be healthy, safe and prosperous.