Major overhaul planned for Llanelli’s Halfway lights as council sets out sweeping junction redesign

The A4138 is the main route between the M4 at Junction 48 in Hendy and Llanelli, carrying thousands of vehicles a day into the town. The Halfway lights sit right in the middle of that corridor — and the council says the layout has become a major choke point.

The authority has now published early designs for a full overhaul of the A4138 Halfway Traffic Signals, the crossroads linking the main road with Glyncoed Terrace, Llandafen Road and the Pemberton Retail Park. The junction is widely seen as one of the area’s worst pinch points, with long queues building in both directions during peak hours.

Road widening, new bus gate and redesigned signals

According to the council, the A4138 southbound would be widened to create a longer right‑turn lane into Llandafen Road — a move officials say would ease the regular tailbacks outside Morrisons and the retail park.

A new bus lane and bus gate is also proposed on the Parc Pemberton exit road. The council says this would give buses priority leaving the retail park, though the impact on general traffic has not yet been publicly detailed.

The junction itself would be reshaped, with kerbline changes, traffic island alterations and a revised signal layout designed to increase capacity and shorten waiting times.

New crossing and Active Travel link

One of the most visible changes would be a new controlled pedestrian crossing on Glyncoed Terrace, along with the removal and relocation of several guardrails, signal poles and lighting columns.

A new shared‑use walking and cycling path is also planned along the A4138 southbound, creating a direct link into the wider Llanelli Active Travel Spinal Route. That includes the recently opened Phil Bennett Active Travel bridge, now a key crossing point on the town’s growing walking and cycling network. The council says the Halfway junction upgrade is intended to “tie in” with that route and finally close a long‑identified gap in the area’s Active Travel connections.

Smart sensors already tracking traffic

Engineers from AtkinsRéalis, who have been appointed to design the scheme, are using data from smart traffic sensors installed at the junction since June 2024. The sensors track vehicle movements and pedestrian activity, giving designers a real‑time picture of how the junction currently behaves.

The council says the modelling shows how the extended right‑turn lane and revised signal timings could reduce delays at peak times, though full modelling results have not yet been published.

Design work due to begin within months

The council says detailed design work is expected to begin later this year. Construction would depend on funding approval from the Welsh Government and the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee.

Officials describe the upgrade as necessary to tackle congestion, improve safety and modernise the junction, though the final design and timeline remain subject to funding and public feedback.

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Council’s Glynneath flood scheme wins top engineering award

Neath Port Talbot Council’s £3.6m Glynneath Flood Alleviation Scheme has won the Roy Edwards Award for Best Construction Project under £5m at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Cymru Awards.

The scheme, developed by the council’s drainage team with design partners Atkins Réalis and delivered by contractors Knights Brown, was praised for its innovative engineering and collaborative approach. It was funded through the Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme.

Five years in the making

Work on the project began in 2019 and was completed earlier this year. Delivered in two phases, it included the construction of a reinforced concrete intake structure at Lancaster Close, designed to withstand a one‑in‑100‑year storm and protect homes and businesses around Rock Street, Robert Street and the town centre.

Engineers also installed a pressurised 900mm culvert system with additional upstream drainage to improve surface water management at Gelliceibryn. A further 900mm pipe was laid beneath a narrow footway and carriageway, while resurfaced roads and new concrete channels were added to improve runoff. At Glynmelyn Road, a new culvert and raised walls replaced a ford crossing, strengthening the area’s flood defences.

“Significantly reduced flood risk”

Cllr Scott Jones, Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for streetscene, said the award was a proud moment for the authority.

“These works have significantly reduced flood risk for residents and businesses and improved infrastructure resilience in the area,” he said. “The award is a testament to the ambition and passion for flood risk management held by our drainage team.

“This achievement highlights the importance of collaborative working, innovative engineering, and sustained investment in flood resilience.”

Welsh Government backing

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies, who has responsibility for climate change, said the scheme would deliver long‑term benefits to more than 270 properties.

“Our investment in this scheme, totalling over £3.6m, is yet another example of our commitment to address the challenges we face from climate change,” he said.

“In recent years, we have invested more than £300m to protect communities across Wales from increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather, with this year’s record funding rising to £77m.”

Recognition for local resilience

The award marks the culmination of five years of work to strengthen Glynneath’s flood defences. For residents, it represents not just an engineering achievement but greater peace of mind as the community faces increasingly severe weather events.

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New images reveal plans for Milford Haven’s £multi‑million transport interchange

The scheme, led by Pembrokeshire County Council with support from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund, will overhaul the existing station to create smoother, better‑connected journeys and improve rail links to the town and the wider county.

What the plans include

The latest images show a complete redesign of the station area, with:

• Relocation of the existing train platform to make space for a new bus interchange
• Better walking and cycling links to connect the station with the town
• A dedicated taxi rank and improved parking
• Upgraded, fully accessible passenger facilities
• More welcoming public spaces designed to encourage greener travel

📌 Milford Haven Transport Interchange – Key Facts

• What is it? A £multi‑million redevelopment of Milford Haven railway station into a modern public transport interchange.
• Main features:
  • Relocated rail platform to allow direct intercity/high‑speed services (including potential London link)
  • New bus interchange for smoother transfers
  • Dedicated taxi rank and formalised car park
  • Improved walking and cycling links (Active Travel)
  • Fully accessible passenger facilities
  • Upgraded public realm with safer, more welcoming spaces
• Why now? Around 42% of households in Pembrokeshire don’t drive, and 15% have no car at all — making public transport vital for connectivity.
• Funding: £6m Welsh Government investment (as part of a wider £27m South West Wales transport package) plus £1.4m capital funding from Pembrokeshire County Council.
• Timescale: Procurement notice published May 2025; construction expected Jan 2026 – March 2027.
• Partners: Pembrokeshire County Council, Welsh Government, Network Rail, Transport for Wales, Milford Haven Port Authority, AtkinsRéalis.

Boost for connectivity

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said the project could pave the way for the return of direct services between Milford Haven and London, including new high‑speed trains.

“This exciting project we hope will allow the return of direct travel from Milford Haven to London and back, helping travellers reach more destinations with ease. It is an important project, not just for Milford Haven, but the county as a whole.”

Backed by partners

The £1.4m capital investment is being delivered with design support from AtkinsRéalis and in partnership with Network Rail, Transport for Wales and Milford Haven Port Authority.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said:

“These plans are fantastic for Milford Haven and improving transport options for residents.”

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders Route Director, added:

“This project is about more than infrastructure; it’s about creating opportunities, encouraging greener, safer travel, and delivering a station the community can be proud of.”

Next steps

Detailed designs are being finalised, with construction expected to follow once approvals and funding are in place. The council says the interchange will complement wider regeneration in Milford Haven and help unlock the region’s economic potential.

More information, including timescales and detailed proposals, is available on the Milford Haven Transport Interchange website.

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Public transport use surges across South West Wales — but challenges remain
Rail journeys are up 20% and bus franchising is on the way, but questions remain over funding, staffing and delivery of active travel schemes.

“Don’t fix what isn’t broken”: Neath Transport Hub feedback
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