New “strategic diversion” hoping to ease traffic concerns during 11-day A38 closure

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/03/21/new-strategic-diversion-hoping-to-ease-traffic-concerns-during-11-day-a38-closure/

Nocturnal road works
https://www.flickr.com/photos/woolamaloo_gazette/55158853083/in/photostream/lightbox/

I actually snapped this a few months back, yet walking past the same spot earlir this week, the barriers and road works were *still* there!!

#Edinburgh #Edimbourg #EdinburghByNight #NightPhotography #photography #photographie #RoadWorks #LongExposure #Fountainbridge #UrbanNight

Nocturnal Road Works

Flickr

last night had bastard in flatbed truck honk me (at 03:00, illegal at night ) because he thought I was taking too long to get through #roadworks where barriers, cones etc had fallen in the road due to #wind - makes you wonder if folk are #driving around like zombies as from seat of a truck you would have clearly seen these debris - or if I wasn't there, he would have sped through and run over the roadworks infrastructure as he isn't paying for the truck and isn't bothered if it gets scratched up

At one point I thought truck was following me and was increasing distance between my car and looking for escape route (I /could/ leave it behind even faster but didn't want to take more risks unless absolute last resort), in the end driver turned into notoriously sketchy estate near me >>

Councillor says decision makers behind A38 closure diversion have let down local residents

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/03/12/councillor-says-decision-makers-behind-a38-closure-diversion-have-let-down-local-residents/

‘Green power’ boost for Port Talbot as council green-lights major substation expansion

Neath Port Talbot Council has unanimously approved the major application from National Grid to extend the Margam 275kV substation, located just off Harbour Way.

The project is being hailed as a “key” development that will provide the essential power needed for Tata Steel’s new £1.25 billion electric arc furnace. It follows the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as the main contractor for the site’s decarbonisation.

This latest approval comes as Port Talbot motorists already face up to 12 months of roadworks while the wider underground electricity network is upgraded to support the transition.

Council bosses have confirmed that the extended site will connect via underground cables to a separate substation within the Tata Steelworks, feeding the new “green” furnace. Work has already begun on the furnace project, which aims to replace the traditional blast furnaces.

The works at the Margam site will include the construction of a new gas-insulated switchgear hall and a modern control building, replacing older facilities.

Planning officers have confirmed that the project also includes significant upgrades to site lighting, CCTV, and internal access roads, along with a new flood defence wall.

Cllr Rob Jones, representing Margam and Taibach, has described the extension as a “key project” that is essential for the survival of the local industry.

“Without this substation extension taking place… the whole future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and the county borough is at serious risk,” Cllr Jones has warned.

The council has confirmed that the approval is subject to a legal agreement to maintain an off-site ecological management area for the next 30 years to protect local wildlife.

While the substation does not directly supply residential homes in Margam, its role in supporting the major infrastructure upgrade is seen as critical for the region’s economic future.

The move marks another significant milestone for the electric arc furnace project, which was first approved by Neath Port Talbot Council in February 2025. The transition follows the dramatic closure of the Morfa Coke Plant and the blast furnaces, which saw thousands of jobs put at risk. Despite the £500m UK Government funding to support the move, the community continues to show resilience amid the transition.

#Business #electricArcFurnace #greenEnergy #Infrastructure #Margam #NationalGrid #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #roadworks #TataSteel

Port Talbot motorists set to face 12 months of roadworks as underground electricity network upgraded

National Grid has confirmed that work to install new underground electricity cables between the existing substations in Briton Ferry and Ynys Street will begin on Monday 9 March.

The energy company has warned the project is expected to take between nine and 12 months to complete, depending on ground conditions.

Work will be carried out in sections along the route, starting at the Ynys Street end. National Grid says it will use a ‘rolling road system’ to try and minimise disruption, meaning only short sections of the route will be affected at any one time.

However, the company has admitted that residents and businesses within affected sections may be asked to move their vehicles and avoid parking in specific areas for limited periods. Those impacted will receive advance communication, it said.

Ynys Street in Port Talbot, where the cable works will begin. (Image: Google Maps)

It follows previous work by National Grid in the Port Talbot area to supply power for Tata Steel’s new electric arc furnace.

Despite the long period of works, National Grid claims the project is vital to improve the reliability of power supplies for homes and businesses.

Ffion Owen, a specialist at National Grid, admitted the work could be disruptive, stating:

“This is vital reinforcement work to ensure the electricity network in Port Talbot can continue to support homes and businesses now and in the future. While we know roadworks can be disruptive, this investment will help improve the reliability of the network in the local area and reduce the risk of future outages.

“We would like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while this essential work is carried out.”

National Grid said it would work closely with the local authority throughout the project.

#BritonFerry #electricity #Infrastructure #NationalGrid #PortTalbot #roadworks #traffic #YnysStreet

MOTORISTS WARNED: Three months of lane closures on Mumbles Road for gas pipe upgrade

Motorists are being warned to expect delays as a major gas pipe upgrade is set to begin on Mumbles Road next week, bringing with it three months of phased lane closures.

Wales & West Utilities will start work on 4 March to replace over 1,000 metres of gas pipes in the area, a project described as “vital to ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses.”

The work, which is scheduled to finish in June, has been planned in conjunction with Swansea Council to minimise disruption. While access will be maintained at all times and traffic will still be able to travel in all directions, lane closures will be in place and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.

Crucially, the project has been planned to avoid working on Mumbles Road itself during the busy Easter school holidays.

The work will be carried out in three phases:

•Phase 1: Mumbles Road at the junction with Sketty Lane (4 – 27 March)

•Phase 2: Mill Lane (30 March – 10 April)

•Phase 3: Mumbles Road at the junction of Mill Lane (13 April – 15 June)

Wales & West Utilities’ Adam Smith, who is managing the work, said the project was essential for the community.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future,” he said.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.”

He added that the work would also ensure the network is ready to transport green gases in the future.

#gasNetwork #gasPipeUpgrade #motoring #Mumbles #MumblesRoad #roadworks #SingletonHospital #Sketty #SkettyLane #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaUniversity #traffic #WalesWestUtilities #WalesAndWestUtilities

Fears road flooding in Lichfield is “an accident waiting to happen”

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/02/18/fears-road-flooding-in-lichfield-is-an-accident-waiting-to-happen/