A study reviewing the transport links between key settlements in Deeside, Wrexham and Chester has been commissioned by Taith, a transport consortium of North Wales Local Authorities, and the Welsh Assembly Government. The transport consultants company, AECOM, is to carry out the review, called the North East Wales Area Based Transport Study (NEWABTS).
As well as the transport links themselves, NEWABTS will also look at access to areas outside the study area, and transport issues for those travelling through the study area. It will be undertaken from a Welsh perspective but, to avoid looking at the issues in isolation, the study will also consider cross border issues and seek to liaise with partners in England.
The findings will establish a transport strategy for North East Wales consistent with the aims and commitments set out in the National Transport Plan (NTP) published in March 2010 by the Assembly Government.
In parallel to the North East Wales Area Based Transport Study, the Welsh Assembly Government has also commissioned AECOM to carry out a specific study of the A55/ A494. This is to review transport problems on that strategic road network and to identify and appraise potential solutions to these problems.
Councillor Tony Sharps, Executive Member for Environment and Deputy Leader at Flintshire County Council, and also the new Chair of Taith said:
“These studies will, amongst other things, deal with the horrendous traffic problems on the Deeside strip and come up with more acceptable solutions to congestion on Aston Hill.
“The problems have been evident for too long, as has the inconvenience that local people and tourists have had to endure. The studies will analyse all the problems and will, by working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, prioritise investment in the transport infrastructure in North East Wales.”
