Landslide closes road to Carmarthen

A landslide which has taken a substantial part of a road away has caused chaos for traffic to and from Carmarthen along the Trevaughan road into Cynwyl Elfed. Road closures are in place with local access still available up to the point of the landslide. One witness said the road had disappeared quickly but that vehicles were still being allowed to drive through at one point.

Almost half the road has collapsed with a huge crack running down the centre of the road and parts still precariously hanging on. There is evidence of water having come down in force off the hillside failing to channel into blocked drains. The area is dotted with local farms who depend on deliveries for work and livestock.

Dyfed Powys-Police said: “A call was received at 8.20am reporting a landslide on an unclassified road between Trevaughan and Cynwyl Elfed which has closed the road. Carmarthenshire County Council has been informed.

We contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment and asked what they were doing about the road given that it is a very busy route for traffic.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services Cllr. Edward Thomas said: “Our Highway Teams have been busy overnight, responding to a number of call outs to make safe the roadways.
“A section of the road between Bwlchnewydd and Trevaughan has subsided due to last night’s adverse weather and the road is now closed with diversions being put in place. For obvious safety reasons we are asking people to stay away from the area.
“Storm Ciaran is due to hit Carmarthenshire on Wednesday and Thursday so I would urge all road users and pedestrians to take extra care whilst travelling during the next few days.”

There were also incidents of flooding and landslides on the lower road to Carmarthen, which added to the chaos. Traffic began flowing along the A484 by midday.

There have been numerous calls for work to commence along the roads to clear trees, which are in danger of falling and to shore up banks with netting. According to some local residents the roads are closed on a regular basis and there is a constant danger with debris on the roads following any heavy rainfall or strong winds.

Vehicles including heavy vehicles were still passing over the road this morning.

More storms are on the way with warnings of severe weather conditions. Storm Ciarán is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Wales from Wednesday evening.