Flintshire Council responds to Deeside Interchange traffic chaos

Flintshire County Council has responded following major traffic disruption caused by newly-installed traffic signals at the Deeside Industrial Estate interchange roundabout.

Work has been ongoing to upgrade the interchange, which includes the installation of part-time traffic lights.

For the past two days, commuters going to and from the industrial estate have faced lengthy queues and significant delays during rush hour.

The council stated that engineers have been dispatched, and traffic now appears to be flowing freely.

The local authority will monitor peak times over the next 24 hours to ensure there are no further issues.

The traffic chaos has sparked widespread criticism from motorists who use the roundabout daily.

“I’ve been stuck in this for up to an hour, barely moving. I’ve had to call work to say I’m late even though it’s a 15-minute journey. It’s a complete joke!” complained Sarah.

Many shared this sentiment, with Clare lamenting, “My favourite part is being late for work and losing pay because of the gridlock this has caused! I never had an issue before all this!”

Another commuter highlighted the extent of the problem on the Deeside.com Facebook page, noting, “It’s backed up two roundabouts towards the new bridge, and it’s backed up over the flyover and down the Welsh road towards Two Mills. It’s absurd.”

Traffic sensors show the congestion on Wednesday morning

The decision to install the traffic lights has been criticised, with some questioning the rationale behind the changes.

“Who could have predicted that taking lanes away and adding traffic lights to roundabouts with no previous congestion would make things worse? Anyone could have – and actually did predict this,” stated Darren, frustrated.

Concerns were also raised about the potential danger caused by the new layout. “Absolute madness! Trucks coming out of the dip under the Mollington junction having to slam on their brakes because they can’t see traffic stopped ahead!” pointed out a commenter named Joe.

Others have noticed the change in traffic flow, with a long-time commuter noting, “I have been driving this route for 15 years without a hitch, except for the occasional blockage now and then on the Welsh road to Two Mills – now, however… absolute chaos.”Flintshire Council responds to Deeside Interchange traffic chaos

Traffic Wales has announced that the work will be completed by Sunday, a spokesperson said:

“Traffic lights on the Deeside Industrial Estate Interchange roundabout are currently causing disruption in the area.”

“Contractors are aware of the issue and are working to resolve the problem. These works will be completed on 14/05/23.”

A Flintshire County Council spokesperson said:

“Following numerous calls relating to the newly installed traffic signals on the Deeside interchange, the contractor’s engineer was called to the site to investigate the issue.”

“Vehicles are now moving freely and the site will be monitored at peak times over the next 24 hours to ensure that there are no further issues.”

The Welsh Government has said the work around the A494 at Sealand will “ease the impact of traffic generated by The Airfields development.” ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

This development will include over 800 houses and an 11-unit ‘District Centre’ with a convenience store and medical practice. A significant new tissue manufacturing site is also anticipated in close proximity. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

The road improvements are designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Key works on the A494 involve installing partial signals and improving road markings at the Deeside Park

Interchange, in addition to widening and adding partial signals to the Drome Corner Eastbound off-slip, situated at the former Gateway to Wales Hotel site.