Commuters baffled over need for new traffic lights on two Deeside roundabouts

Frustration has grown amongst regular commuters over congestion around a section of the A494 in Deeside during peak times over the past few weeks.

Work has been taking place at several exit points of the busy trunk road that links Wales with England.

One area that has seen long delays is the exit slip road to the Deeside Industrial Estate roundabout where new traffic lights have been installed.

Locals have taken to social media to express their frustration and to question why there is a need to put lights on the roundabout.

Traffic lights have also been installed on the Leprechaun roundabout at Garden City which has left some scratching their heads.

John, a local resident, tweeted: “Which absolute numpty decided to put lights on this roundabout? Completely unnecessary!! #A548 @DeesideDotCom And the traffic is bloody horrendous enough as it was.”

His thoughts were echoed by others in the area, such as Paul, who commented on the 30-minute wait he experienced just to reach the roundabout.

A key point of contention for many is the perceived contradiction between the installation of traffic lights and the purpose of roundabouts.

Lisa, another resident, expressed her confusion on this issue: “I really don’t get lights on roundabouts; surely the point of roundabouts is keeping traffic flowing. I have never had to queue here.”

Moreover, the new traffic lights have raised concerns about increased pollution due to the extended periods of idling cars.

John pointed out that despite official efforts to reduce pollution along the A494 with the 50mph speed limits introduced a few years ago, the new lights could well have the opposite effect.

He said ”They are always promoting reducing pollution but surely these schemes are creating more? And it’s such a waste of money! Ridiculous.”

However, Dean said: “The traffic lights at the Leprechaun roundabout are baffling but they are definitely needed at the zone 1 roundabout. It’s a dangerous roundabout because of the speed of traffic on it and the trucks that just pull out on it all of the time.”

This is not the first instance of traffic light installation on a roundabout causing stir locally Rich mentioned a similar situation in Garden City, where traffic lights were also installed on the Leprechaun roundabout.

He said: “Not sure why as even when it’s busy, traffic is moving.”

Andy said: “Putting traffic lights on the Leprechaun roundabout has got to be one of the oddest decisions I’ve seen.”

“That money would easily been spent better elsewhere.”

“In 20 years I’ve never once queued or had any traffic there.”

On the Westbound side of the A494, lanes appear to have been reconfigured prior to the River Dee crossing where three merge into two, as noted by @haymanssfc who tweeted:“ Does anyone know why a good chunk of the third lane has been removed from the Westbound carriageway on the A494 at Deeside?”

“A main artery to and from North Wales has had its capacity reduced by a third… This is just manufacturing even more congestion.”

The Welsh Government has told us that significant works are being carried out on the A494 to “ease the impact of traffic generated by The Airfields development.”

The development will eventually see over 800 houses built, and 11 unit ‘District Centre’ with a convenience store and medical practice.

A huge new tissue manufacturing site is also set to be built close by.

The road improvements, scheduled for completion this month are aimed at enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion in the area.

Key works on the A494 include the installation of partial signals and improved road markings at the Deeside Park Interchange, as well as the widening and addition of partial signals to the Drome Corner Eastbound off slip, located at the former Gateway to Wales Hotel site.

Furthermore, road marking alterations will be implemented on the A494 Westbound carriageway, affecting the lane drop and the Drome Corner Merge (A548 Sealand Road).

A lane drop is defined as a location on a highway where the number of lanes provided for traffic decreases.

To help alleviate congestion, the lane drop on the A494 Westbound carriageway has been relocated to “facilitate the smoother merging of traffic from the Drome Corner on-slip.”

Again all work is due to be completed this month.

Resurfacing works..

Four nights of resurfacing works also got underway on the A494 in Deeside on Tuesday night.

The work will see overnight road closures in both directions between Queensferry and the English border, beginning tonight, Tuesday May 2.

Traffic Wales has said the works are scheduled to minimise disruption by being carried out during the night, between 8pm and 6am.

From 02/05/23 to 05/05/23, the Westbound carriageway between Deeside Industrial Park Westbound off-slip and Drome Corner Westbound on-slip will be closed for three nights to complete the resurfacing works.

Following the completion of the Westbound carriageway resurfacing, the Eastbound carriageway between Queensferry and the English border will undergo essential resurfacing work on 05/05/2023 for one night, with closures in effect between 10pm and 6am.

The roadworks are being carried out to improve the condition of the A494 and “ensure the safety and comfort of motorists.”

“Drivers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and consider alternative routes during the affected time periods.” Traffic Wales has said.

Diversion routes will be in operation while road closures are in place.

Westbound – 02/05/23 to 05/05/23

Eastbound – 05/05/2023 for one night.