A SIMPLE solution to the Aston Hill traffic nightmare has been called for.
Controversial plans for a seven-lane super highway are not needed and one extra crawler lane could be just as effective and a lot cheaper, says a top transport expert.
Plans to widen the busy A494 dual carriageway through Aston Hill, Deeside, were scrapped by transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones in March, 2008.
A traffic review in the region, including congestion on Aston Hill, is being undertaken and will also look at the road network in light of the recently-announced Deeside Enterprise Zone.
Cllr Tony Sharps, deputy leader of Flintshire Council and chairman of North Wales transport consortium Taith, said: “If plans were to come back, a crawler lane going up the hill should be incorporated in a third lane for slow traffic.
“I do not think it needs all the fanfare of the previous plan. It can do without bridges, ringroads and roundabouts invading into areas that were not affected.”
The A494 is the main traffic artery for thousands of commuters working in Deeside as well as heavy goods vehicles hauling goods between mainland Europe, Britain and Ireland.
The Northern Gateway project, located in nearby Sealand, will be the heart of the enterprise zone and is set to create 5,000 jobs and 1,100 homes.
The original plan to widen a 2.5 mile stretch of the A494 to four lanes uphill and three lanes downhill, and impose a 70mph speed limit, was axed in 2008.
The £71million expansion was dubbed the “North Wales Motorway” and more than 5,000 homes would have been affected.
Cllr Sharps said since the improvements to the carriageway on Welsh Road, heading to the M56, traffic had increased.
He said: “The traffic is coming over the hill like the cavalry. With a crawler lane the faster traffic could get quickly away. That would be one plan that would help the Deeside congestion.”
He added: “All it needs is a third lane. It would be far quicker and would cost a lot less money.”
Aston councillor George Hardcastle, chairman of the Aston Hill Action Group, said he was sure plans would resurface within the next two years and said a consultation would have to be held with residents.
He said: “I would sooner see it stay the way it is, but unfortunately something does need to be done. If there is a breakdown it all clogs up.
“A crawler lane would be acceptable.”
Cllr Hardcastle also said the A55 Interchange was a section of the road that needed to be looked at. “That is a dangerous stretch and where a lot of the problems lie,” he added.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “The North East Area-based transport study is jointly funded by the Regional Transport Consortium Taith and the Welsh Government.
“The study looks at ways of improving connectivity throughout North East Wales considering all modes, including highways, rail, buses, walking and cycling.
“Welsh Government officials are still working closely with Taith officers to bring the study to a conclusion.”