THE near completion of improvement works at Llandudno Junction’s Black Cat roundabout has been welcomed.

The works, set to be completed at the end of the month, started last June and involved widening the roundabout, the construction of safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, the installation of traffic signals at key locations to help manage congestion on the off slips, reducing the length of queues and the traffic speed to improve safety on the roundabout.

“I will be relieved to see the work completed,”said Cllr Sue Shotter, Conwy County Borough Councillor who represents Llandudno Junction as member for Marl Ward.

“It was a necessity, but the disruption it caused has been unbelievably difficult for people.

“If it hadn’t been for the pandemic, which reduced traffic, we would have seen frequent gridlocks.”

Cllr Mike Priestley, who also represents Llandudno Junction on Conwy County Borough Council said “The works are due to be completed at the end of this month which I look forward to as they have caused disruption. But I feel the end product will be well worth it, especially the improvements for cyclists and pedestrians crossing these very busy slip roads. The old system was dangerous and when crossing it felt like running the gauntlet and risking one’s life. I believe these improvements totally outweigh the disruption suffered.”

It remains for the current street lighting to be upgraded to an energy efficient LED alternative.

Cllr Greg Robbins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation welcomed the news. He said: “We are grateful for the investment in the upgrade of this junction by the Welsh Government. As well as improving traffic flows it also provides a significant improvement to the active travel routes for cyclists and pedestrians. We look forward to the final completion of the works.”

The company undertaking the work is Ruthin based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK. Rhys Roberts, Jones Bros project manager, said: “Our team has worked well throughout, which has included working at night to carry out the most disruptive activity during quieter periods.

“We have widened the roundabout, constructed safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists and installed traffic signals at key locations.

“To encourage active travel, the routes for cyclists and pedestrians also link with the existing footway on the A470 which is proposed to be upgraded to a shared use path.”

He added: “The workforce is now focused on installing eco-friendly street lighting and we have begun disconnecting and removing existing streetlighting and have temporarily deployed energy efficient tower lights to assist commuters.

“To minimise the impact on road users, the street lighting works are being undertaken during this time of year when traffic flows are lower. The works will be carried out under single lane closures on the A55 slip roads at junction 19 and are expected to be completed by the middle of December.”

Mr Roberts added: “We are continuously monitoring traffic levels and are working closely with North and Mid-Wales Trunk Road Agent and Conwy County Borough Council to avoid unnecessary delays for drivers.”