REPAIR works to one of the two bridges over the A55 is set to be completed by the end of March 2025, but no date has been set for the other.
Clwyd West MS, Darren Millar, submitted a written question to Welsh Government’s transport secretary, Ken Skates, asking when repair work to Primrose Hill Bridge in St George, and Sea Road Bridge in Abergele, will be completed.
When Mr Millar and North Wales MS, Sam Rowlands, challenged Welsh Government on the cost of having temporary traffic lights at both locations in June 2023, the figure stood at almost £230,000.
Mr Millar asked the same question last week and was told by Mr Skates that the total costs to-date are £173,553.51 for Sea Road Bridge, and £84,181.43 for Primrose Hill Bridge; making a total of almost £260,000.
Mr Skates said: “Sea Road Bridge is a considerably more complicated and costly engineering scheme, and at present, there are higher priorities elsewhere on the Strategic Road Network.
“Fixing our roads is a priority and we will progress this scheme at the earliest opportunity when funding is available.”
Mr Millar said: “Both Sam and I have repeatedly called for these works to be carried out urgently.
“Whilst I welcome the fact that a date has now been given for the Primrose Hill works, it is disappointing that no date has been given for the works on the Sea Road Bridge.
“The vast amount of money that has been spent on temporary traffic lights at both these locations over the years could have been put to better use had the Welsh Government acted faster.
“I am concerned that money will continue to be spent on the Sea Road lights as it is currently not considered a priority.
“As I have previously stated these lights were supposed to be temporary, yet the ones on Sea Road have been there for 14 years.
“I’m sure that residents are as frustrated as us that we are still waiting, and that such large sums of taxpayers’ money has been spent on these so-called ‘temporary’ lights over the years.
“I look forward to seeing the works completed on the Primrose Hill Bridge before the end of March, and in the meantime will continue putting pressure of the cabinet secretary to set a date for works on the Sea Road Bridge.”
Mr Rowlands added: “I welcome news that work on the Primrose Hill Bridge will be completed by the end of March.
“But like Darren, I am disappointed and frustrated that we are still waiting for a date for the Sea Road improvements.
“Welsh Government’s reluctance to act quickly on this matter provides further evidence that it has no shame when it comes to being wasteful with taxpayers’ money.”
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