Plans in place for winter travel

1 Nov 2016 02:14 PM

Plans are in place to help keep Wales moving during the winter months, Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates said following a visit to the North Wales Traffic Management Centre in Conwy.

The centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year to keep traffic moving on the A55 and trunk roads in North and Mid Wales, while a similar centre in Coryton covers South Wales.  The centres also co-ordinate the work of the Traffic Officers who help keep traffic moving on the A55 and M4.

Measures in place for the winter include:

• Restocking of salt through the summer months to achieve minimum target level of 250,000 tonnes.
• Liaison with local authorities and WLGA to assess salt stock levels before the winter season and continued monitoring.
• Patrols of trunk road before and after adverse weather to ensure drainage systems are working
• Weather stations have been serviced and additional weather stations will be installed at beneficial locations to ensure most accurate weather and road condition information is available. 
• Agreement with bus operators to notify Traveline Cymru immediately of any disruptions which can be disseminated through social media and travel warnings in the media.
• Investment in new variable message signage system for the Britannia Bridge, allowing remote control of traffic during high wind events for gusts up to 70 mph. Vehicles other than cars will be diverted towards the Menai Bridge on these occasions.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: 

“The North Wales Traffic Management Centre highlights the work which goes on 24/7, day in day out to keep the A55 and other trunk roads moving.

“Dedicated staff monitor the route, taking action so that assistance can be immediately dispatched to deal with any potential problems helping keep traffic moving.

“The winter months are often the most challenging and measures are in place to have an accurate picture of the situation across Wales, to take action when needed and inform the travelling public of any potential issues quickly.”