Flintshire Council highlight necessity of A541 roadworks

Councillor Dave Hughes, deputy leader of Flintshire Council and the local representative for the Cefn-y-Bedd area, apologised for the disruption being caused by the works. But he stressed that they are necessary as a safety measure. 

This is because Flintshire Council workers discovered that a water main underneath the road was leaking, causing surface water on the road near the railway bridge. 

The location of the roadworks (Image: Newsquest)

The council has now called in the Hafren Dyfrdwy water company to repair the pipe. 

Watch: Flintshire Council officer, Ian Bushell, and councillor Dave Hughes discuss the necessity of the roadworks. 

Councillor Hughes said the area was liable to become an "ice rink" in the coming winter months. 

He said: "I can only apologise for the disruption, but having said that - I'm really pleased that this work is being undertaken. 

"This was a danger spot, and come the winter with all the water coming across the road it could have caused an accident. I'd hate to be standing here talking about a fatality. 

"This work had to be done and I'm pleased that the council has listened to what we've said and come here and excavated."

READ MORE: 'Just give us a break!' - Residents' plea over 'constant' roadworks at busy junction

In recent days, motorists say there has been "bedlam" at the location, with traffic at times backed up as far as Caergwrle. 

It has taken some people well over an hour to get between Flintshire and Wrexham. 

Richard Simpson, Water Networks Lead at Hafren Dyfrdwy, said: “Yesterday morning (Tuesday), we were made aware of a burst pipe on the A541, where the local council were already on site.

"We attended and working closely with the council, were able to carry out a repair on the water pipe. The road will remain closed until we have completed the work.

"While the repair is ongoing, our site teams will be working at different times, subject to safety requirements. We’re expecting to complete all work by tomorrow evening.”

Flintshire’s chief officer for Streetscene and Transportation, Katie Wilby, said: “We are currently undertaking investigatory works at the junction of the A541 Wrexham Road and B5102 Ffrwd Road following reports of surface water collecting on the carriageway. Whilst every effort has been made to limit the disruption to the travelling public and local community, it was necessary to undertake excavation works in order to identify the source of the problem.  

“We recognise that the location was subject to disruption following the implementation of traffic signal improvement works last year; however, the current works are necessary in order to remedy the flooding and drainage problems.  

"The traffic management contractors are continuing to monitor the situation and will remain on site for the duration of the works.

"We would like to thank residents for their continued patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused, as we seek to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.”