Motorists in Cardiff are being warned of further disruption during the October half-term holidays as gas network upgrades prompt a lane closure on a key road.
Wales & West Utilities has confirmed that a southbound lane closure will be in place on Merthyr Road, in Whitchurch, from October 25 to October 27 while engineers upgrade gas pipes.
The company has advised motorists to allow extra time for their journeys and follow traffic management signs while the work takes place.
Part of £850,000 Investment
The gas network project forms part of a wider £850,000 investment to upgrade nearly three kilometres of gas pipes across Whitchurch over the next year.
The company said the overall project was expected to be completed by the end of October, provided work progressed as planned.
Business Owner Highlights Disruption
The latest closure comes after a business owner in Whitchurch claimed that diversions caused by roadworks had led to around 20 cars crashing into a Cardiff repair centre. Christopher Williams, director of Crash Bang Wallop on Merthyr Road in Cardiff, has highlighted the impact that traffic diversions can have on local businesses and motorists in the area.
Since then, Christopher has said: "The roadworks directly outside Crash Bang Wallop and Farmers Pantry in Whitchurch have finally finished, bringing an end to months of noise and disruption for both businesses, their customers and the surrounding area."
"It wasn't simply one set of roadworks either. As one set of works finished, another began, meaning the disruption continued for months. Although work continues elsewhere in Whitchurch, we were hoping the end of the works outside our premises would bring some much-needed normality."
He goes on to say: "We understand that roadworks and changes to parking arrangements are sometimes necessary, and we're pleased the work outside our buildings is finally complete."
"However, the finished scheme should make things safer and more practical for the people who live, work and run businesses in Whitchurch, as well as those attending local community events. There are concerns to consider whether the new parking layout and time restrictions are genuinely fit for purpose."
Commitment to Minimise Disruption
Wales & West Utilities' Andrew Coleman is managing this work and said: "This traffic management will be in place during the school holidays to minimise local disruption and our team is committed to working as quickly, and safely, as possible to complete the project in a timely fashion."
"This work involves investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future for the customers we serve."
"We'll be keeping the local community updated on these works and working with the local authority, and other key partners, to keep disruption to a minimum. We ask motorists to strictly follow the traffic management signage to keep the traffic flowing, and our colleagues safe as they complete this work."
"We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient gas network that households and business can rely on every day. While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life - from heating homes to cooking meals and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it."
