Works have begun on the bridge near junction 23 to Llanddulas today.

The works begun last night at midnight and are set to affect traffic until October 18.

Currently works have forced the closure of one lane east bound and west bound on the A55 between the eastern cross-over near junction 23 to Llanddulas and the rainbow bridge.

These closures will be in effect until Tuesday at 8pm.

Between 8pm and 6pm tonight until Thursday morning one lane west bound and a full closure east bound will be in place between junction 23 and junction 22 to Old Colwyn.

From Wednesday at 6pm until October 16 the entire west bound carriageway will be closed with traffic running from one lane each way on the eastern carriageway (40mph speed restriction).

This will be in place from Rainbow Bridge to near junction 23. The west bound slip way at junction 23 will also be closed during this time.

Then from October 16 to 17, 8pm until 6am, one lane west bound and the entire eastern carriageway will be closed to traffic between junctions 22 and 23.

While from October 17 to 18 one lane both west and east bound between Rainbow Bridge and near junction 23 will be closed.

During all these restriction, traffic through the area will be reduced to 40mph.

Essential works on the bridge near junction 23 will include surface removing; waterproofing of the bridge deck; and the replacement of bridge joints.

The waterproofing needs to be laid in reasonable weather conditions which is why it has been programmed to take place during this period.

Similar works on the eastbound carriageway are set to take place later next year.

Transport secretary, Ken Skates, said: “We have been carrying out night time works on the Kneeshaw Lupton underbridge near Llanddulas to keep in use the temporary repairs we have previously put in place on the structure.

"We do however need to carry out permanent repairs as the bridge deck itself is now showing signs of distress. I have to reiterate this is essential work which must take place.

“I fully understand that roadworks during the daytime can cause disruption, but they need to be carried out on all major roads to ensure the safety of the travelling public and strengthen a route’s resilience.

"These are matters on which I will not compromise.

"We have also taken action to offset the impact for the travelling public by ensuring work on the eastbound carriageway can be delayed until next year.

“I ask the travelling public for their patience whilst this work is carried out and it will be on a 24 hours a day, seven days a week basis at pace so it can be completed as quickly as possible.”