Work on an improvement scheme to reduce traffic congestion at one of Swansea’s key gateways could start by the early summer as part of the multi-million pound boulevard project.
Transport officers acting on behalf of Swansea Council and the Welsh Assembly Government have recommended changes to the way the two bridges over the River Tawe operate to help tackle traffic delays and enhance a key route in and out of the city centre.
Research shows the river bridges close to Parc Tawe are currently operating considerably beyond their capacity and that congestion will only get worse if nothing is done.
A series of options has been considered to tackle the problem and engineers say the best solution would be to introduce clockwise movement of traffic around the bridges with a two-way flow remaining across the southern bridge closest to Sainsbury’s.
Studies show these works would lead to a 48% reduction in morning peak time congestion and a 9% reduction in afternoon peak time congestion.
Strengthening of the bridges is also being proposed and traffic light sequencing would be improved.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet is now being asked to approve the scheme and allow works to proceed.
It’s hoped a contractor for the works will be in place by May if Cabinet backs the scheme and that the bulk of the works will be finished by the end of the year.
The scheme forms part of the wider boulevard project and all works would be phased to minimise disruption.
Funding is provided by European Convergence and the Welsh Assembly Government and forms part of the larger Waterfront City Convergence funded project. This money is ring-fenced and can only be spent on this project.
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Changing the way the river bridges operate is crucial if we’re to tackle congestion there and it’s clear the problem will only get worse if we do nothing.
“This scheme will help traffic flow and tackle congestion and, if backed by Cabinet, work could start in the early summer.
“The boulevard scheme will greatly improve the look and travelling experience along a key gateway in and out of the city centre.
“We worked hard alongside the Welsh Assembly Government to secure European money for the project and the way the funding works means this money has to be spent on this project.”
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, said: “A series of advanced works to pave the way for the boulevard scheme has now started but tackling congestion at the river bridges is key to the success of the overall project. If the river bridges scheme is approved by Cabinet then every effort will be made to keep people informed and to minimise disruption.”
Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Improving the road layout on one of the major routes into the city centre and beyond Swansea will make visiting the wider area more attractive for both locals and those from further afield, which is very important in ensuring that we capitalise on the excellent mix of business, tourism and leisure opportunities Swansea has to offer.”
This project is part of a wider programme identified in the City Centre Strategic Framework to enable Swansea to become a leading European city. Other schemes will see an environmental enhancement of the Lower Oxford Street retail area and improvements to the footpath and cycleway between the Civic Centre and the former observatory building on the seafront.
Have a look at www.swanseacitycentre.com/boulevard or email [email protected] for more information.
