Early last winter drainage problems led to lengthy traffic queues on Swansea’s Mumbles Road, and this year gas pipeline work has resulted in lane closures and the same result.
Wales and West Utilities contractors have been onsite since the start of this month and anticipate getting the job done by January 10. The affected stretch of the dual carriageway is between Sketty Lane and Brynmill Lane, with only one lane open in each direction currently.
Peak hour eastbound queues have been particularly long, stretching back to Blackpill at times, making cycling along the adjacent promenade a quicker option.
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West and Wales Utilities said a new section of gas pipeline was needed. Its programme controller for Swansea, Adam Smith, said: “We know working on roads like these is not ideal, but this work is vital for people’s safety and to keep gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area.”
Mr Smith thanked people for their patience and understanding, and said the utility was liaising closely with Swansea Council. “While we are doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, we would advise motorists to allow extra time to travel and use alternative routes if at all possible,” he said.
Eastbound traffic on Mumbles Road
“Our engineers are working as safely and as quickly as they can. We began work at the beginning of December and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, are on schedule to finish by 10 January.”
In November 2023 stormy weather and heavy rainfall resulted in a blocked Mumbles Road drain between Sketty Lane and Brynmill Lane. Persistent floodwater prompted the council to cordon off the inside eastbound lane while the problem was rectified.