Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The current closure of the A48 eastbound in Carmarthenshire is to allow works to take place on a multi-fuel pipeline from Pembroke refinery.
The works are being undertaken by a third party. However, Welsh Government officials have attended regular meetings to ensure the safety of road users.
The contractor has conducted a comprehensive public relations exercise that includes a public consultation drop-in centre at Llangunnor village hall, a letter drop to over 1,200 properties, consultation with local community council, advertisements in the local papers and regular announcements on local radio. Extensive communication has also been undertaken between the police and emergency services, local schools and farmers that may be affected.
The closure will be in place for up to six weeks. Works are being undertaken as quickly as possible, with operatives on site seven days a week during daylight hours. Night working at this location presents difficulties due to the presence of protected animal species and the need to ensure the safety of the workforce. Night working will be undertaken for tasks that do not present a high health and safety risk.
Furthermore, we have planned a significant amount of our own cyclic maintenance works to coincide with this project to minimise the need for further lane closures. This work includes refurbishment of filter drainage, overhead cables, and road markings; drainage cleaning; litter picking; and ditch maintenance.
We understand that road closures can be frustrating for local residents, but we are doing all that we can to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. Current monitoring suggests that traffic is flowing quite smoothly. Speed camera enforcement is being used to keep drivers within the designated speed limits.