Week of 'chaos' in store as Conwy drivers forced to divert via 'major choke point'

Drivers in parts of Conwy face a week of tailbacks when a diversion is set up at a busy roundabout. Traffic heading towards Deganwy and Llandudno must detour over the A547 Conwy Bridge before returning via the historic town of Conwy.

Conwy Council said drainage investigations are needed on the Weekly News roundabout in Llandudno Junction next week. As a result, the inside lane will be closed for five days, along with a section of road where the A546 flyover meets the roundabout. The local authority has warned motorists to expect delays and “allow extra time” for journeys.

The work is being carried out from Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 21. It will mostly affect traffic coming off the A55 at junction 18. Tesco and Asda shoppers in Llandudno Junction may also be affected, depending on where they live.

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The biggest concern for residents is the potential for hold-ups in Conwy town. Diverted drivers must return over Conwy Bridge after navigating a mini roundabout next to Conwy Castle. Snarl-ups are inevitable, locals claim. Online, one man predicted “chaos”, adding: “Are they seriously going to send large vehicles to turn round at the castle mini roundabout?”

Another agreed: “Will there be signs to prevent coaches and HGVs from doing this? Otherwise you are going to have serious issues!” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

There are also concerns about blockages caused by coaches dropping off visitors by the castle, and lorries trying to turn into narrow Llanrwst Road at the roundabout. Users of this road fear the roundabout will become a “major choke point” for Conwy Valley residents.

One driver said: “There will be no space for traffic from Gyffin after negotiating the arch to join the main road. Why not use lights that were effectively used during the last roadworks and give everyone a fair chance? It's almost as if the work planners try to make it as difficult and inconvenient as possible for us all.”

Conwy Council’s formal diversion routes are as follows. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

• From A55/Tesco to Deganwy or Llandudno Junction: Diversion via Conwy Bridge, turn at Conwy Castle mini-roundabout, return to Weekly News roundabout.

• From Llandudno Junction to Deganwy: Diversion via Victoria Drive, Marl Lane, Pentywyn Road. Or drivers can divert along Conwy Bridge, returning via the Conwy Castle mini-roundabout.

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