Work to unjam Llanelli’s Sandy Road traffic blackspot to start in July

The junction on the A484 at Maes-y-Coed regularly jams up with traffic during peak times caused by traffic waiting to turn right at traffic signals installed as part of the Stradey Park housing development.

The council says it has consulted extensively on plans to improve the junction layout, which it has further tweaked following feedback from the public.

Planned changes include the provision of a dedicated right-turn lane from the A484 Sandy Road onto Maes-Y-Coed, and enhancements to existing active travel facilities including the installation of a new controlled crossing on the Maes-Y-Coed, and the introduction of advanced stop lines for cyclists.

The proposed road layout on the A484 Sandy Road junction with Maes-y-Coed
(Image: Carmarthenshire Council)

The proposals result in a total loss of six parking spaces along the A484 Sandy Road, either side of the Maes-Y-Coed. 

Temporary lane closures along the A484 Sandy Road will be in place for work to be carried out, along with a full closure of Maes-Y-Coed extending up to, but not including, the private lanes located behind the adjacent properties. 

Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said:

“I would like to thank everyone who engaged with us on this very important project to positively impact the air quality, road safety, traffic flow and environmental attractiveness of Sandy Road.

“The mix of views we have gathered at the engagement events and online consultation evidences the challenging nature of the scheme and need to arrive at the most appropriate solution possible for all stakeholders.

“Several options for this scheme have been considered over the past few years, however, we feel assured that this is the most appropriate solution to implement given the funding available to us, the current transport policy landscape and the analysis undertaken to date.

“To minimise disruption locally, we intend to carry out the improvement works during the school summer holiday, July to September,”

Locals have called for alternative solutions, including the removal of the traffic lights and restricting right turns onto Maes-y-Coed Road.

The council have said this is not an option due to traffic volumes and the space needed for larger vehicles safely turn into Maes-y-Coed. It added that without traffic lights vehicles attempting to enter and exit Maes-Y-Coed would face significant challenges, leading to increased congestion and potential safety hazards.

It says the traffic lights help regulate the flow of vehicles, ensuring that traffic moves smoothly and safely through the junction.

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