BROKEN traffic lights caused chaos at a roundabout in Llandudno Junction as cars were backed up in every direction.

The traffic lights were stuck on red, causing drivers to dangerously pull out to escape queues stretching over the flyover bridge, towards the A55, Llandudno Junction and on the A546 towards Deganwy.

Other frustrated drivers performed three-point turns to escape the stationary queues on Thursday, May 26.

The council is currently carrying out an 11-week programme of works to replace the flyover bridge’s ‘waterproofing, movement joints and drainage’.

Consequently traffic lights are stationed at each roundabout exit on the bridge as traffic moves in contraflow.

Conwy mum Louise Evans was one of hundreds of drivers caught up in the traffic jams.

“The lights were stuck on red. Nobody was moving. Drivers were hooting their horns in frustration,” she said.

“It was chaos. Some people were backing up and trying to turn around. The cars at the front of the queue were just guessing without any lights to guide them, which is obviously dangerous, but people didn’t have much choice.

“I know it was reported to the police, and hopefully it is sorted as the lights will be there for many weeks to come.”

The council admitted the work would cause major disruption and inconvenience when it was announced.

Shopkeepers in Conwy feared the work could affect trade as the flyover is the main route in and out of Conwy, but the council said they had chosen to carry out the work in spring and summer as dry weather was needed.

The second round of work will be carried out in around a year’s time.

A spokeswoman for Conwy County Council commented: “Our traffic management contractor received a call at around 8.20pm reporting there was an issue with the temporary traffic lights at the Weekly News roundabout.

“The lights were working intermittently when the contractor arrived on site and were fixed by 9.30pm. Signs at the roadworks have a phone number to call in case of issues.”

A North Wales Police spokesman commented: “North Wales Police were contacted shortly after 2000hrs on 26 May to reports of the temporary traffic lights on Conwy bridge not working. The matter was reported to Conwy Council’s highways department who attended.”