Cardiff city centre is experiencing severe traffic congestion as roadworks continue on several major roads. Work began on Castle Street in February to make the temporary road layout and cycleway permanent. While the road remains open, traffic regularly queues along the street, through Duke Street and onto North Road. Temporary traffic lights at the junction of Castle Street and Westgate Street are adding to the delays.
Commuter delays and council response
One commuter described the situation: “I got the first bus of the day from north Cardiff and usually make it to the city centre by 7.45am but we hit the traffic at the bottom of Cathedral Road and it took about 25 minutes to get from there to Westgate Street. It was chaos.”
A spokesperson for Cardiff Council said: “The work taking place on Castle Street is necessary to deliver cleaner air, safer and more sustainable travel options, and a more attractive city centre. The scheme includes a range of improvements, including a fully segregated cycleway, upgraded junctions, resurfaced roads, improved footways, enhanced bus infrastructure, and new landscaping. Work began on site on 23 February and was expected to take approximately 52 weeks to complete.”
The spokesperson added: “Major projects of this scale and complexity are planned with contingencies to ensure progress can be maintained where additional work is identified during construction. Following the discovery of ground conditions requiring further work, the programme has been adjusted slightly, however we are working closely with the contractor so that the project remains within the overall completion schedule. The council hasn’t received any complaints from the public about traffic concerns. We recognise that construction work can cause disruption and are grateful for the continued understanding of everyone affected. Once complete, the scheme will create a safer, greener and more accessible route through the heart of Cardiff, benefiting residents and visitors alike.”
Other roadworks across the city
Congestion is also heavy during peak times elsewhere, as work continues on Callaghan Square as part of plans to develop the Cardiff Crossrail network. The first phase will see a new tram-train connection built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. The twin-track tramway will be built through Callaghan Square, with temporary traffic arrangements introduced on September 20.
Under these arrangements, Bute Street (from Butetown at its junction with Callaghan Square) will be open for northbound traffic. Traffic travelling north towards Herbert Street or Tyndall Street will be required to turn left, allowing travel westbound or via Callaghan Square to go northbound or eastbound through the roundabout. There will be no southbound access onto Bute Street from the Callaghan Square junction, and streets south of Callaghan Square off Bute Street will only be accessible from the south. Diversion routes are Lloyd George Avenue and Dumballs Road.
Works to redevelop Kingsway are also causing disruption. Plans to transform part of Kingsway into a public space were approved by Cardiff Council last month. The main space of the public square will centre around the meeting point between Boulevard De Nantes and the Kingsway junction. The project was proposed in response to the need for “enhanced pedestrian and cycle connectivity, improved accessibility, and a more engaging public realm”. It will deliver a completely pedestrianised area with well-lit crossings, wide pavements, and integration with Friary Gardens and Cathays Park, along with urban greenery, benches, and small cafe spill-outs.
