Preferred options for A483 Wrexham improvements published

The Welsh Government has published its preferred options for changes along the A483 in Wrexham.

The A483 is one of the key connecting routes between North and South Wales, and between North Wales and the Midlands. It is an important route for tourists travelling to the region, and for freight travelling from Europe, UK and Ireland.

The Welsh Government argues that changes need to be introduced to address congestion at the junctions along the A483 and the impact this is having on the economy of Wrexham and wider North Wales region.

The proposals are part of a programme of pinch point schemes included in the Welsh Government – National Transport Finance Plan and the Moving North Wales Forward document which aims to create a reliable and efficient transport network across the region and across the Wales-England border.

Options have been developed through the Welsh Government’s Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG) process, which has been produced in compliance with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. They have included detailed considerations of transport modes, the environment, road safety, air quality, and traffic modelling.

The preferred option for each junction is as follows:

• Junction 3 (Wrexham Road): Minor changes to the existing junction incorporating active travel improvements
• Ruthin Road: Major changes to the existing junction, including a new gyratory retaining the existing A525 overbridge, incorporating active travel improvements along the A525 across the A483
• Junction 5 (Plas Coch Roundabout/Mold Road): Introducing active travel improvements
• Junction 6 (A5156 / Gresford Interchange): Minor changes to the existing junction incorporating active travel improvements

Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “Action needs to be taken on this stretch of the A483.  Left as it is the situation will hinder the growth of Wrexham and the North Wales region as a whole.

“Following a thorough assessment process I’m pleased that we are now able to publish the preferred options for the four junctions.  As a result of this scheme we plan to achieve more opportunities for active travel, better public transport links, improved traffic flow leading to improved air quality.”

The consultation will run until 22 November with an announcement on the preferred options expected in Spring 2021. Public exhibitions, complying with COVID-19 regulations, will be held at the Ramada Hotel, Wrexham on 23 – 24 September.

Subject to the statutory processes draft orders could be published later in 2021 with detailed design work taking place in 2022.