Three Towns Forum

The Local => Ask a Local => Topic started by: TheMedz on September 26, 2010, 08:51:03 pm

Title: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on September 26, 2010, 08:51:03 pm
Being a newbie I need a couple of pieces of advice re routes outof  here.

1. Is there a workable rat run run round the A55 Road works at St Asaph. (my son has to travel to Bromororough every day and is getting mightily ****** off with the hold ups)

2. Which is the best way of getting from LL to Heathrow. Is it M56 M6 etc or is there a better cross country route via Shrewsbury etc

thank you
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: Hugo on September 26, 2010, 09:56:09 pm
St Asaph on the A55 is a pain in the butt and has been for a few years and when I went past last week it seemed as bad as ever.
You can be lucky however, but it depends on what time of the day your journey is.
I'm sorry Medz but there is no easy way round that problem as St Asaph is probably the best bet for your son.
With regard to the journey to Heathrow. I did that journey twice last year and the Sat Nav picked the quickest route as M56,M6,M1 and then the M25
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: Bellringer on September 26, 2010, 10:50:13 pm
I think Hugo is right about avoiding St Asaph. However you could try exiting the A55 at Abergele and going via Rhuddlan, Dyserth and rejoinging the A55 at Caerwys or vice-versa.
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: Hugo on September 27, 2010, 04:59:50 pm
You couldn't do that route on a regular basis Bellringer, there are too many obstacles on the way as well as loads of 30mph speed limits and a new one of 20mph in Trelawnyd.
Just imagine peak hours or the school runs!
I lived in Dyserth for a few years and that High Street is really bad for traffic at the best of times.
On the way back from Chester I have taken the Trefnant turning and then gone through the St Asaph Industrial Estate but you have to know your way around there or you'll get lost. 
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: Bellringer on September 27, 2010, 05:47:13 pm
Yes I think you're right Hugo and the better alternative is probably through Trefnant etc.

Frustrating as it might seem though sticking to the A55 is probably best.
How long is this work going to take?
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: Jack on September 27, 2010, 05:52:55 pm
Yes I think you're right Hugo and the better alternative is probably through Trefnant etc.

Frustrating as it might seem though sticking to the A55 is probably best.
How long is this work going to take?

About eight weeks from the 3rd September, but remember Maesdu Bridge!!
I've travelled both ways thru it this afternoon and if you avoid peak rush hours there are no hold ups as I sailed through
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: TheMedz on September 29, 2010, 07:43:07 am
As they did with the August  they are probably hoping to complete just before half term holidays. Just waiting for the next sign to go up that says a new set of road works in the same place starting the week after half term !!! (or am I getting more cynical with old age)
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: suepp on September 29, 2010, 09:13:19 am
At peak times returning towards St Asaph I've been getting off at Bodelwydden then up past the Castle onto the back lanes, this joins up to the Industrial estate and the lower Denbigh road. The Upper Denbigh road can get conjested towards Trefnant  but if you are on the lower road you can take a right before the junction  (signposted Henllan) this takes you to the Trefnant traffic lights - the road is closed but only after the crossroads! If you take the lower Denbigh road you go past the Topiarists garden!
Of course this is fine for me as I live in Ruthin but it is a long way off the beaten track if you want to go up the A55!
 http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/34490824.jpg (http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/34490824.jpg)
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: Jack on September 29, 2010, 09:28:53 am
The topiarists garden is fantastic, it should be a tourist attraction open to the public.  I have only noticed it in the last couple of years.  Suepp do you know how long the gardener has been 'working' on his bushes?
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: suepp on September 29, 2010, 09:49:56 am
At least 15 years that I can remember!  A lot of coach drivers stop or slow down there to show it to the passengers, there are others in the garden not so easy to see from a car so coach passengers would get a good view.
Title: Re: Getting out
Post by: Yorkie on September 29, 2010, 10:21:46 am
There is the story that the Council complained about the coaches stopping there which resulted in the "cock a snoot" being in a prominent position to the front!   L0L
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Michael on September 29, 2010, 08:47:09 pm
I know this area like the back of my hand.   Or,  I thought I did. I have no idea where this toparists garden is. I cannot believe this lack of my knowledge. I havent gone around that area so much for maybe the last five years, but even so---        Could anyone fill me in?  Mike
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Bellringer on September 29, 2010, 08:56:28 pm
At the top of the double bend on the left. Went past myself today on the way to Afonwen Art & Craft Centre.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on September 29, 2010, 09:04:19 pm
There's a good view of the whole garden on Google earth
Title: Best way to Heathrow
Post by: dingo20 on October 25, 2010, 05:51:32 pm
Best way to Heathrow for me was to park up at a friends near Manchester Airport and get a £65 BA flight to Heathrow considering the petrol costs and the long drive it worked for me (commuting)
Title: Re: Best way to Heathrow
Post by: Yorkie on October 25, 2010, 06:23:57 pm
Best way to Heathrow for me was to park up at a friends near Manchester Airport and get a £65 BA flight to Heathrow considering the petrol costs and the long drive it worked for me (commuting)

A55, A483, A5, M54, M6, M5, M40, M25 to Airport

Or from M5 further on take M4 to Airport or cut across via Cirencester and Swindon.
 ££$

Using M6 then M1 is a waste of time.  I go down quite often to see my Daughter.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Dave on October 25, 2010, 09:14:59 pm
What about a train ?  Booked in advance it will cost about £15 each way.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Fester on October 25, 2010, 10:00:09 pm
Especially if you use.... trainline.com   ...We have saved loads booking trains via that site.



Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Hugo on November 10, 2010, 08:00:16 pm
I've just seen on teletext that a controversial plan for a new lorry park at Park View Garage on the A55  (near Caerwys)   has been turned down by Councillors.
It was to have space for 20 lorries but there were 500 objections including those of the Delyn MP and AM.
If my memory serves me right this is the 2nd time this controversial plan has been submitted and I think Mostyn Estates are the applicants and "landowners"
Llandudno wasn't the only land that Lord Mostyn enclosed and legally stole and I wonder if this land shared the same fate?
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Ian on November 11, 2010, 10:44:05 am
Returning from Liverpool,  yesterday, we encountered lane closures (both sides) on the A55 from about 3 miles before Abergele to the start of Llysfaen.  We hit them at about 1.10pm and for the entire length of the coned-off lanes, there was not one single worker, or vehicle in evidence. We slowed to a crawl about half-way through, and no evidence was found as to the cause of that, either.

This is a pattern;  many, many times I've met coned-off lanes ,with nothing and nobody to indicate the reason for coning them off.  I'm pretty sure this sort of thing incurs a cost to businesses, and I sometimes wonder what it is. Perhaps the government could direct its energies to investigating  what these closures are all about and why there are so many with nothing happening in them.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on November 11, 2010, 11:56:38 am
We hit the same problem going eastwards at about 1pm but by the time we came back home at about 15:30 they were gone. The only workers I saw were the people putting up the signs and laying out the cones.  I suppose there's a possibility they may  have had the road cleaner out and lifted the cones once it was done.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Bellringer on November 11, 2010, 12:18:39 pm
It was the same the day before from the rainbow bridge to nearly Pensarn. We joined the queue going east before the warning "1 mile sign".
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Michael on November 11, 2010, 03:01:34 pm
TheMedz was half correct, but not wholely correct. Indeed, the cones were protection for cleaning operations. Unfortunately for all the thousands held up by the cones, the cleaners departed having done their job but the cone removers had'nt arrived. Result, three miles of cones in both directions for no purpose, Dont know how long this lasted, but it was certainly in excess of two hours, maybe a lot longer  Mike
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: dwsi on November 18, 2010, 08:40:34 pm
What's going on in the Conwy tunnel? Plenty of cones with nothing happening. :D
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Hugo on November 23, 2010, 11:32:09 am
I know this area like the back of my hand.   Or,  I thought I did. I have no idea where this toparists garden is. I cannot believe this lack of my knowledge. I havent gone around that area so much for maybe the last five years, but even so---        Could anyone fill me in?  Mike

Has the owner of the house seen you coming past Mike!     ;)

A couple more shots of his garden.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Michael on November 23, 2010, 06:56:09 pm
Yes----and----(shouting)  THE SAME TO YOU MR TOPARIST
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Hugo on March 07, 2011, 07:30:02 pm
At 5.30pm yesterday, I was travelling down the west bound side of the A55 from St Asaph and although our single lane was moving freely the traffic in the east bound lane had virtually stopped and was two abrest for Llanddulas all the way to Colwyn Bay.
I'm just glad that I don't have to do that journey every day as it must be a nightmare.
No sooner do they finish one set of works on the A55 then they seem to start another somewhere else on it!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Jack on March 07, 2011, 07:54:47 pm
It is a complete nightmare, coming off the A55 and going through Old Colwyn, Llandulas and Abergele is not an option either as the traffic lights in Abergele mean the traffic backs up many miles.  Then there are further road works at Rhuallt Hill and slightly further afield the Chester/Wrexham junction is also closed.
The road simply can't cope with the volume of traffic and lets face it, it is never going to get any better, with no hard shoulder there isn't even the scope for having two 'lanes' open during roadworks.  I accept roadworks are essential, but they seem poorly planned.  What is the betting that even though they are resurfacing this stretch of road, they won't take the opportunity to tarmac the grass verge in the central reservation and give it a few weeks after the road is re-opened it will be back down to one lane so contractors can strim the grass!!!
Rant over :(
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 08, 2011, 07:10:30 am
This brings to mind what was said last October  _))*
THE A55 will be free of roadworks for “the foreseeable future” Welsh Assembly Government chiefs claim.
http://www.denbighshirevisitor.com/news/denbighshire-news/2010/10/27/roadworks-on-the-a55-at-st-asaph-finished-at-last-105722-27545628/ (http://www.denbighshirevisitor.com/news/denbighshire-news/2010/10/27/roadworks-on-the-a55-at-st-asaph-finished-at-last-105722-27545628/)
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Quiggs on March 08, 2011, 01:38:03 pm
I've often wondered, is it really necessary to cut the grass on the A55, if it was left, would it not become a have for wildlife?
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: DaveR on March 08, 2011, 01:50:06 pm
I've often wondered, is it really necessary to cut the grass on the A55, if it was left, would it not become a have for wildlife?
That's a very good point. There's no real need to cut the grass, is there, apart from the usual human obsession with tidiness.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Yorkie on March 08, 2011, 01:52:15 pm
As has been said it could be a haven for wild life - and the A55 could also be filled with Roadkill.     ZXZ
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on March 08, 2011, 04:36:14 pm
I've given up with the A55 lately and have been travelling through Betws yn Rhos down to Glan Conwy Corner, this is a route I used to take years ago before the expressway and although it adds to the journey there's no frustration - and some spectacular views!

I was caught out yesterday at Trefnant for about 35 minutes in a queue at the traffic lights and am now avoiding them by travelling from Denbigh industrial estate past the quarry onto the lower Denbigh road
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 08, 2011, 05:01:51 pm
The A5/A470 is getting more and more tempting for when I come to Llandudno
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Yorkie on March 08, 2011, 06:50:03 pm
An excellent choice BB,  a very nice easy journey with almost empty roads.  You can also hit off up the back road to Llanwrst through Nebo or even up the B5113 and finish up at Bryn y Maen to the West End.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 09, 2011, 07:27:33 am
It just takes up to an hour longer  :(
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Hugo on March 09, 2011, 12:47:11 pm
Be careful on those Padog bends Brumbob as they are awful.  I was returning to Llandudno after staying in Shard End in Birmingham and I crashed my car on one of those bends.
I was a lot younger then and driving too fast for the wet conditions but everytime I go past that particular spot the memories come back.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Fester on March 09, 2011, 09:28:30 pm
As has been said it could be a haven for wild life - and the A55 could also be filled with Roadkill.     ZXZ

Anyone fancy Badger Pie?    There is certainly enough of them to go around.

I keep hearing about a potential cull to control the badger population, but I think the A55 is doing that job very effectively.

Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Trojan on March 10, 2011, 03:05:27 am
As has been said it could be a haven for wild life - and the A55 could also be filled with Roadkill.     ZXZ

Anyone fancy Badger Pie?    There is certainly enough of them to go around.

I keep hearing about a potential cull to control the badger population, but I think the A55 is doing that job very effectively.


Here's a wonderful way to put dead animals to good use.

Maybe you could sell some Badger foot stools in your shop Fester!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on March 10, 2011, 09:14:18 am
talking of squirrels they were teeming around  on the back roads near Cefn Meriadog the other day, must have just woken up!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Bellringer on March 10, 2011, 02:08:17 pm
Grey squirrels don't hibernate, only reds.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on March 10, 2011, 03:28:29 pm
oops, shows what I know! :-}}}
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 10, 2011, 03:32:39 pm
It's a myth, no squirrels hibernate


http://www.squirrels.org/faq.html#Q8 (http://www.squirrels.org/faq.html#Q8)
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Quiggs on March 10, 2011, 03:45:02 pm
Looks like an American site Brumbob, I thought Reds do hibernate, but if the weather is suitable will wake briefly, then go back to their Drey if the Temp. drops again ?
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 10, 2011, 03:56:20 pm
will wake briefly, then go back to their Drey if the Temp. drops again ?
Not proper hibernation, like all squirrels and some people, they just have a lie in if it's cold,
if it's a very mild winter you will see both colours of the breed about.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Quiggs on March 10, 2011, 03:59:05 pm
I stand 'Corrected'   :'(
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 10, 2011, 04:02:04 pm
Hey, I'm no zoologist, you can only believe so much of what you read.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Trojan on March 10, 2011, 04:06:11 pm
Hey, I'm no zoologist, you can only believe so much of what you read.

Glad you've had those windscreen wipers fixed Bob.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 10, 2011, 04:19:26 pm
It was peeing down here today  :P but sunny now, must turn them off
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 11, 2011, 05:08:12 pm
Neil Sterio from the Highways Agency stated that the resurfacing work is due to be finished on Friday, March 18.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Paddy on March 11, 2011, 06:29:42 pm
I have to drive through these roadworks four times a day and it's becoming very frustrating. I do understand though that work has to be carried out and it's a minor comfort to see that there is lots of work going on each time I pass. There's nothing more anoying than driving through three miles of cones without seeing any signs of the work being carried out!

On my first trip out this morning I noticed a sign on the east bound carriageway saying "work starts here on 21st March". Happy days!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 11, 2011, 07:32:45 pm
On my first trip out this morning I noticed a sign on the east bound carriageway saying "work starts here on 21st March". Happy days!
It's like the Forth bridge :o
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Hugo on March 22, 2011, 06:55:50 pm
I had to go to Ruthin today and I was pleased to see that the Llanddulas road works had been completed   :)   but this was only short lived as I met road works outside of Abergele and had to put up with a short delay.   :(
Coming home though at 5.30pm the hold ups on the eastbound carriageway were horrific with traffic two abrest as far back as Llanddulas. I feel sorry for anyone that has to travel past there at peak time.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Michael on March 22, 2011, 09:13:05 pm
And even worse to come. Cones about to hit the 55 around Old Colwyn/Colwyn Bay
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 23, 2011, 11:53:20 pm
We need these people maintaining our roads

The Japanese road repaired SIX days after it was destroyed by quake

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1369307/Japan-tsunami-earthquake-Road-repaired-SIX-days-destroyed.html#ixzz1HTC3VR3f (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1369307/Japan-tsunami-earthquake-Road-repaired-SIX-days-destroyed.html#ixzz1HTC3VR3f)
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Fester on March 24, 2011, 05:48:07 pm
Please could someone advise me the best way to get from Flint to Llandudno (avoiding the problems on the A55)

Dave mentioned something about going via Bryn Y Maen,  and back roads...could he, or others elaborate?

I have a builder travelling down from Flint and back each day ... its taking forever, and driving him mad, and my costs UP !

Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on March 24, 2011, 06:25:38 pm
When I went on the A55 to Wrexham yesterday I noticed  the westbound traffic tail back started around Bodelwyddan and was clear again at Llanddulas.  I think a possible route therefore (and I shall be trying this one for myself tomorrow) is to come off the A55 at J27/J27a St Asaph and take the B5381 via Glascoed until it reaches the A548 to Abergele. Head into Abergele and take a left at the lights in the town centre to Llandullas. I came back via Denbigh and Abergele yesterday evening and the Abergele to home via Llanddulas was a clear run but for some reason it bumper to bumper going the other way from Llanddulas to Abergele.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Yorkie on March 24, 2011, 06:32:26 pm
When coming into Abergele, you can avoid the Town Centre and traffic lights by turning Left just as you get into the 30 limit.   You then just follow the road through the estate and come out by the Gwrych Castle entrance where you turn left towards Llandulas.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on March 24, 2011, 07:35:14 pm
from Abergele town centre take a left at the lights, signposted Llanwrst.(A548) follow the road until you get to a crossroads (garage and caravan site on the left) take the right hand road,B5381 this takes you through Betws yn Rhos, follow the road until a staggered crossroads and you turn right B5113 down through Bryn y Maen taking you back down to Colwyn Bay,

I usually go straight over these crossroads as it takes you down to Glan Conwy corner. B5381

You can also get onto the Betws yn Rhos road from St Asaph by coming off the A55 at the industrial estate and going to the right at the roundabout
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Michael on March 24, 2011, 08:15:22 pm
To answer TheMedz puzzle as to why traffic was stuck along the Gwrych Castle straight going towards Abergele. The reason was eastbound traffic were leaving the 55 in large numbers at Llanddulas because they spotted big holdups towards Pensarn, the 55 is down to one lane. But, if you felt sorry for those motorists, save your sympathy for another group of travellers in cars trying to get towards St Asaph. These were the think ahead people who left the 55 at Old Colwyn (guessing what lay ahead), drove through Old Colwyn, up towards Penmaen Head and then came to a shuddering full stop. Settle into a queue for 20/30 minutes. Because there is a giveway at the bottom, near the Shell station, and they had virtually no chance of getting out because there was nonstop traffic coming off the 55 at Llanddulas. This was around 5.30 p.m.  So, be warned. You might as well just stick on the 55, at least you will be moving at 10 mph
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Fester on March 24, 2011, 09:35:31 pm
from Abergele town centre take a left at the lights, signposted Llanwrst.(A548) follow the road until you get to a crossroads (garage and caravan site on the left) take the right hand road,B5381 this takes you through Betws yn Rhos, follow the road until a staggered crossroads and you turn right B5113 down through Bryn y Maen taking you back down to Colwyn Bay,

I usually go straight over these crossroads as it takes you down to Glan Conwy corner. B5381

You can also get onto the Betws yn Rhos road from St Asaph by coming off the A55 at the industrial estate and going to the right at the roundabout

Sounds promising... could you imagine that you are coming from Flint to Llandudno, and amend this route... so I could email it directly to my builder?
I'd be most grateful.
Or are you saying Flint to Abergele is OK via the A55, then come off at Abergele?
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: DaveR on March 24, 2011, 09:41:54 pm
It's the route I tried to explain to you yesterday! :P
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Fester on March 24, 2011, 09:44:15 pm
It's the route I tried to explain to you yesterday! :P

Thats as maybe, but it doesn't make as much sense when its given only verbally to an ignorant Englishman.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on March 24, 2011, 09:47:10 pm
On my route it's Flint to St Asaph on the A55 come off at J27/J27a St Asaph and take the B5381 via Glascoed until it reaches the A548 to Abergele. Head into Abergele then either 1. take a left at the lights in the town centre to Llandullas or 2. one of the other routes suggested from Abergele suggested by Suepp or Yorkie. In short if going West you are on the A55 beyond Bodelwyddan you're stuffed.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: DaveR on March 24, 2011, 09:50:44 pm
It's the route I tried to explain to you yesterday! :P
Thats as maybe, but it doesn't make as much sense when its given only verbally to an ignorant Englishman.
Fair point.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on March 25, 2011, 02:09:06 am


From Flint I presume he joins the A55 at Caerwys heading down Rhuallt Hill,

You can come off  earlier than Abergele at St Asaph Business park to avoid Bodelwyddan and Abergele snarl-ups to  get onto the road to Glascoed as the Medz suggests,   just carry straight on which will bring you to the caravan  site crossroads/petrol station, (Penyrefail on the left) just go straight ahead to Betws -y-r. past Hunters Hamlet,

Have a look on Google earth, you will see the road runs almost parallel to the A55 from St Asaph

Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on March 25, 2011, 02:30:18 am

from St Asaph Business park (Jnct 26)  follow the road (past Optic centre on the left and Police HQ on the right)  up to the mini roundabout,  turn right onto the    B5381 this takes you past the back of Bodelwyddan castle where to avoid heading back down to the A55  at Engine Hill you have to bear left to stay on the B3581 through Moelfre and winding lanes to the crossroads (Penyrefail) which is shortly after the trout lakes on the right.  Go straight over the crossroads heading to Betws yn Rhos,  follow the road until a staggered crossroads and you turn right B5113 down through Bryn y Maen taking you back down to Colwyn Bay,  I usually go straight over these crossroads as it takes you down to Glan Conwy corner. B5381





Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Trojan on March 25, 2011, 03:31:48 am
I have a builder travelling down from Flint and back each day ... its taking forever, and driving him mad, and my costs UP !

Why not hire a local builder?  ???
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: brumbob on March 25, 2011, 01:28:04 pm
Why not hire a local builder?  ???
:laugh:


Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on March 25, 2011, 05:18:51 pm
Winner ! Came off the A55 at J25 at Bodelwyddan  and took the B5381 via Glascoed until it reached the A548 to Abergele. Headed into Abergele and took Yorkie's suggested "rat run" through the housing estate by taking a left just after the 30MPH/"Welcome to Abergele" sign. Turned left at Gwyrch Castle  and back onto the A55 at Llandullas. Hardly any cars at all and probably only added about 10 to 15 minutes to the normal journey time. I'll be going over that route regularly for the next few weeks so hopefully it will continue to be quiet.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Michael on March 25, 2011, 06:35:30 pm
Yes, my friend. Just remember two things.   ONE: The road through St Asaph Business Park is 30 mph.   It doesent look like it and there are very few small reminder signs.  TWO: North Wales traffic police H.Q. is right alongside you
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Hugo on April 01, 2011, 12:57:55 pm
I was in Rhyl yesterday and came home via the coast road and found that the westbound slip road at Pensarn was closed!
There was a massive queue from the Abergele traffic light so I thought that I'd go down the side roads into Sea Road and avoid the queues but I was wrong   :rage:  there was a massive tailback there so there was no alternative other than to be patient and just wait for the traffic to move.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on April 11, 2011, 08:47:18 pm
Oh Great Joy. Hearing of excessive tailback  problems on the A55 east bound on the radio travel news I decided to take my "recently  regular hospital bound" journey from Llandudno to Wrexham using the Betwys yn Rhos B5381 route, only to find they now have "Road Closed" road works prior to Betws on that with a diversion very close to Old Colwyn. As a result  I met all the all the other rat run traffic trying to avoid the A55. grhh!!!!!!!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Bellringer on April 11, 2011, 09:30:39 pm
Isn't the work supposed to be completed this week?
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Ian on April 12, 2011, 08:12:37 am
The current bit, certainly, but the news ahead (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-12993050) isn't good, with the Assembly talking about "the maintenance schedule for the next 12 months, which shows work stretching from Bangor in Gwynedd to the Flintshire-Cheshire border at Dobshill and which will be conducted as part of a rolling programme."

What I suspect the WA has singularly failed to grasp is the necessity of the A55 to the communities that live in North Wales.  It isn't an 'extra' road or an 'add-on' facility;  it's absolutely essential for people travelling to and from either of the hospitals, or to any of he major population centres. I'm willing to bet the M4 doesn't suffer the same problems.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Yorkie on April 12, 2011, 08:25:24 am
Due to a personal dilemma, I had to call the emergency services on Sunday and finished up in an ambulance being transported to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.   The journey, as one can imagine, on a Sunday afternoon was herendous with the driver struggling to make progress.  Despite it being an ambulance the drivers in front did not give way.  Forunately it was not an emergency and the two's and blue's remained off.

After arriving at the A & E at about 3.00 p.m. I was finally examined, had an ECG and blood tests by which time it was 7.30.   As the blood test was inconclusive I was told at 9.00 that I would have to have another at 1.30 a.m. in the morning followed by an X-ray.   I finally got into a bed at about 3.00 a.m. in a very noisy ward and was up at 6.00 with the nursing staff starting to make beds and start the breakfast routine.

Fortunately all my tests proved negative and I finally got to the main door at about 10.30a.m.

It is a long time since I have had to visit a hospital in such circumstances and it was an eye opening experience, I hope, never to be repeated.  The journey home was quick and smooth despite the road works. :D
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Ian on April 12, 2011, 08:28:01 am
Sorry to hear about that, Y.  It also shows how much the A55 needs a hard shoulder along its length.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: norman08 on April 12, 2011, 09:25:39 am
 it also shows how ALL  the people of this area ,and jumped up polititcions should have done more about our very good hospital in OUR town
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Llechwedd on April 12, 2011, 11:12:44 am
Why on earth didn't they take you to Bangor Yorkie?  It would have been much quicker.  They must know the roads are bad.
Hope you are back to normal....whatever that is!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Yorkie on April 12, 2011, 11:32:58 am
Don't ask me.  I would have thought that Llandudno Hospital would have been best.  Good job I decided to leave the Mrs at home!   Taxi to or from Glan Clwyd is £30 each way!  As it was I didn't have a penny piece with me, but a kind friend collected me and brought me home.  Nothing wrong with me, just one of those things.  Decision to send me to hospital was made by NHS Wales Direct. .  ZXZ

I have since received a further result and apparently have.

RFI   - repetitive finger injury due to posting on this Forum - and

PTSDDTBG   - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Due to Brumbobs Going.

 L0L   L0L    L0L
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: gwil on April 12, 2011, 12:44:08 pm
 Despite it being an ambulance the drivers in front did not give way.  Forunately it was not an emergency and the two's and blue's remained off.

So why were expected to give way? Nothing special about an ambulance without its sirens and lights on.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: norman08 on April 12, 2011, 01:11:21 pm
 the ambulances are not allowed to take you to llandudno  so its either bangor or glan clwyd 
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Yorkie on April 12, 2011, 01:56:14 pm
So why were expected to give way? Nothing special about an ambulance without its sirens and lights on.

Because Mr Roumanian, in Britain we have a word called politeness!   Some people exercise it, some don't.  Surely everyone realises that an ambulance is a front line emergency service and if we can help it on its way without inconveniencing ourselves then we should be polite and give some assistance.

One day you may need an emergency ambulance yourself, but maybe because on its previous journey it was stuck in traffic, it just may not get to you in time!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: DaveR on April 12, 2011, 02:18:29 pm
I can't recall seeing anyone moving out of the way of an Ambulance not on an emergency call.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Yorkie on April 12, 2011, 02:36:47 pm
I can't recall seeing anyone moving out of the way of an Ambulance not on an emergency call.

Probably because there are thousands of inconsiderate people in this country and most of them are found behind the steering wheel of a car!  Just because an ambulance is not on an emergency does not mean that we have to hinder its progress, when with a little consideration we can help it on its way.

On another point, not all Emergency Ambulances use the two's and blue's, particularly when they are driving patients with severe head traumas who cannot be "shaken" about.  You will often find such ambulances going to places such as Walton in Liverpool.

As I have mentioned before I teach Advanced Driving Techniques and one thing that is part of the syllabus is courtesy to other road users. 
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: gwil on April 12, 2011, 03:54:45 pm
Well, Mr Yorkie, you are full of your own pomp and self regard aren't you. You think that everyone should get out of the way of a non emergency ambulance because it might be needed later on. Dear me. And don't give that crap about I may need an amulance one day. I have. Both sorts. The emergency one put it's warnings on and people got out of the way. The non emergency one didn't and we got there with the normal flow of traffic. I didn't think I was important enough for people to get out of the way.
You're not the only one driving to the capabilites of instructing ADT you know. Showing photos of nasty prangs don't particularly impress people either.

Oh and by the way aren't the head trauma ones driven very slowly, usually under Police escort. Mostly with lights etc

Here's a quote for you to ponder over.

Wise men have something to say.
Fools have to say something.
Marcus Tulius Cicero
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on April 12, 2011, 05:16:06 pm
Decision to send me to hospital was made by NHS Wales Direct.

They seem to have a tendency to do this in my experience, to err on the side of caution, it must have added to the pressure on A&E depts over the years not to mention the traffic!.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Michael on April 12, 2011, 08:59:07 pm
Oh dear!! Should I waste my time reading this sort of nonsense? I only clicked on to A55 etc to read about traffic holdups!! Mike
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Trojan on April 13, 2011, 03:38:52 am
Oh dear!! Should I waste my time reading this sort of nonsense? I only clicked on to A55 etc to read about traffic holdups!! Mike

Once a coach driver, always a coach driver.  :D
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Paddy on April 13, 2011, 07:02:59 pm
Driving to Towyn this afternoon I was watching the work on the Westbound carriageway and it looks to be pretty much completed. The new surface has been laid and the markings painted on. It looks like it could be open very soon.

It's been a long eight weeks!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Mikethewatch on April 13, 2011, 07:23:13 pm
Thanks Paddy, for the first relevant  post on the page!
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Paddy on April 14, 2011, 02:34:16 pm
As I went through just after 7.30 this morning there was one lane open westbound.  The workers were replacing the central barrier that was removed to allow traffic to cross into the contraflow.  It looks like once that's done there's little else to do other than pick the cones up.

It could be open today, or at least by tomorrow to allow the (hopefully) hoards of visitors a clear run.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Nemesis on April 14, 2011, 02:53:01 pm
That will be a good thing.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Paddy on April 14, 2011, 08:09:14 pm
Just had a look at the traffic camera. It seems they didn't manage to pick the cones up today!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/northwestwales/trafficcameras/trafficwalesnorth/trafficwalesnorthCameraN0069/?epoch=1302807752&enabled=1&asset=CameraN0069.jpg (http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/northwestwales/trafficcameras/trafficwalesnorth/trafficwalesnorthCameraN0069/?epoch=1302807752&enabled=1&asset=CameraN0069.jpg)
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Bri Roberts on April 15, 2011, 08:45:22 am
Just had a look at the traffic camera. It seems they didn't manage to pick the cones up today!

Tomorrow will be the last day.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Hugo on April 15, 2011, 11:10:13 am
But what's next for the A55 Bri?
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Bri Roberts on April 15, 2011, 11:24:12 am
I am not too sure, Hugo, but I do believe there is some more work in the pipeline stretching from Bangor over towards Chester.

BTW, I have an old photograph of Glanwydden Football Team from the end of WW2.

Would you like me to put it up under another TOPIC?

There are a few names of a few older lads you may recognise (including me and wrex’s late uncle).


Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on April 15, 2011, 11:23:35 pm
Came back home (Westwards) on the A55 this evening and despite the volume of traffic being really high it was straight through without delay.Just under an hour from Wrexham compared with 2 hours 45 last Friday at around the same time. Traffic Eastbound was again clogged from Colwyn Bay to Abergele so lets hope that goes tomorrow.
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: TheMedz on April 16, 2011, 07:05:56 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/sites/trafficcams/pages/abergele_interchange.shtml (http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/northwest/sites/trafficcams/pages/abergele_interchange.shtml) looks like the cones are still there Eastbound
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Bri Roberts on April 16, 2011, 07:52:41 pm
Yes, they were still there when I  travelled east at noon and they were still on the east side when I returned around 5pm.

In fact, the queue then was way back to Llanddulas.

Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on July 05, 2011, 05:46:57 pm
I've been travelling from Ruthin to Caernarfon for the past few weeks to attend a course.  Due to the lovely weather I have been taking the scenic route via Cerrigydrudion, Betws y Coed and the Llanberis pass. It takes me about an hour and 20 minutes going at my usual leisurely pace, people have told me it would be quicker to take the A55 even though the mileage is higher.


Yesterday I decided to do the return trip via the A55 so I could stop off at St Asaph. What a mistake, the A55 was horrendous with three lots of coned off lanes between Bangor and Bodelwyddan. The only work I saw going on was a man using a blower to remove debris from under the central reservation.
Having said that the coastline looked positively Mediterraenean, so tempted to turn off at Pen and go for a swim. Back to the scenic route next week! Much better for a sense of well-being if nothing else $walesflag$
Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: Fester on July 06, 2011, 12:25:58 am
A course Suepp?

The only course I want to attend is Mike's Golf Course!

Title: Re: A55 problems and alternatives
Post by: suepp on July 06, 2011, 08:14:15 am
chance would be a fine thing, especially on a Monday morning for the forseeable (hopefully before the weather changes)  The drive through Snowdonia is the icing on the cake, it's been spectacular!