Work is due to start on a major new transport scheme in Ammanford which will help to ease congestion and support wider regeneration plans.

The scheme to improve the Wind Street / Tirydail Lane junction will see the traffic lights replaced with a new roundabout.

It also involves the widening of the approach to the junction from the Carregamman car park roundabout along William Walker Way.

Initial works are due to start along William Walker Way on Monday, February 12 and are due to be completed by mid-April with the construction of the roundabout to follow.

BT will also be carrying out advanced works across the Tirydail Lane side of the junction for three nights starting on Monday, February 19 which will involve a closure of the junction from 7pm to 12 midnight. Diversionary signs will be in place.

The works are being carried out on behalf of the council by Alun Griffiths (Construction) Ltd and the scheme is scheduled for completion by December 2018.

Disruption will be kept to a minimum as much as possible and advance notice signs are being put in place to advise the public. Griffiths have also appointed a public liaison officer as a point of contact for local residents and businesses and are distributing letters to all those affected.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “The scheme will help to ease traffic congestion at the Wind Street trunk road / Tirydail Lane junction, particularly during peak times; and is a key element of the Ammanford regeneration plans.

“Every effort will be made to minimise the disruption that these works may cause and regular updates will be published to advise the public and residents of progress.”

The council has received a grant of £865,000 from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund 2017/18 towards the scheme; and a further £120,000 was carried forward from the Local Transport Fund 2016/17 to assist with land acquisition.

Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said: “I am confident this grant will address congestion issues and support economic regeneration aspirations of this area.

"In total Welsh Government have invested £31.4 million to local authorities across Wales for schemes to improve safety, create economic growth and promote active travel.”

The scheme includes:

  • Extension of the designated left turn lane on the A474 to the existing mini roundabout
  • Removal of the existing signalised junction
  • New compact roundabout with contrasting central overrun area, centre island and associated entry realignments
  • New kerb alignments and carriageway widening
  • New signalised pedestrian crossings on all four arms of the roundabout
  • Associated footway realignments, pedestrian guardrails and tactile paving crossings
  • New road signage and road markings
  • New street lighting
  • New surface water drainage infrastructure and remedial measures to the existing system
  • Resurfacing of the existing carriageway on all approaches
  • Utility disconnections and diversions