EditorCARMARTHENSHIRE: Row over plans to fix notorious A48 accident blackspot
The Welsh Government has confirmed major alterations for the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands, a notorious accident blackspot that has seen hundreds of crashes in recent years.
But the centrepiece of the plan – a new roundabout at Nantycaws – has been blasted as a “short-term fix” that will create even more congestion.
The criticism comes after alarming new figures revealed the safety record on the 12.5-mile stretch of dual carriageway is getting worse.
Data from Dyfed-Powys Police showed 186 collisions on the road in the 12 months to July 2025, an increase on the 169 crashes recorded in the previous year.
In response to a safety study commissioned in 2020, the Welsh Government has now unveiled a package of measures set to begin this autumn.
These include closing dangerous gaps in the central reservation and shutting six “sub-standard” laybys.
However, the main proposal involves constructing a new roundabout at Nantycaws to eliminate what officials call an “unsafe cross carriageway manoeuvre.”
An aerial view showing the proposed new roundabout at Nantycaws on the A48, along with planned changes to the existing junction and access routes. (Image: Welsh Government)But Carl Peters-Bond, an independent candidate for the Caerfyrddin constituency, has criticised the proposal.
“The solution to the dangerous A48 does not lie in years of construction, disruption and delays — only to leave us with even more congestion at a brand-new roundabout at Nantycaws, right in the middle of a vital trunk route,” he said.
Mr Peters-Bond, who is also the Mayor of Kidwelly, warned: “That is not a serious long-term plan for a road of national importance.”
He argued that adding another roundabout to the busy stretch of road would simply move the problem elsewhere.
“Anyone who drives this stretch knows how heavily loaded these roundabouts already are. Adding another one at Nantycaws will not solve the problem — it will simply move it, and make the whole route slower and more dangerous.”
Carl Peters-Bond, independent candidate for Caerfyrddin, pictured at Kidwelly Castle. He has criticised the Welsh Government’s plans for the A48 as a “short-term fix.” (Image: Carl Peters-Bond)Instead, Mr Peters-Bond is calling for a more strategic upgrade, including closing side-access routes, upgrading existing junctions to be fully grade-separated, and beginning work to extend the M4 to Carmarthen.
“These are the strategic solutions that match the scale of the problem — not temporary sticking-plasters,” he added.
The Welsh Government, however, has defended its plans.
Ken Skates, the cabinet secretary for transport, said the changes were designed to “reduce risk and improve conditions for everyone who uses the road.”
He added: “While lane closures will be required during construction and some journeys may take longer, this short-term disruption is necessary to deliver a safer and more resilient road for the future.”
Other changes planned for later this year include restricting right-turns at Llanddarog, Pantyffynnon, Llanarthne, and Foelgastell.
While the initial safety works are set to begin this year and take four months, the new roundabout at Nantycaws is a longer-term proposal, with construction not expected to start until at least 2027, subject to funding.
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