Traffic project in Swansea delayed

A MAJOR overhaul of one of Swansea’s busiest junctions will now take less time than expected but cost more.

The upgrade of the Broadway interchange, at the top of Sketty, was meant to start this month, cost around £850,000 and take 24 weeks to complete.

The design was tweaked following feedback from people living in the area, some of who questioned the project, and then the plans went out to tender.

Councillor Mark Thomas told a cabinet meeting on November 21 that the tenders had come back “significantly above” the previous project estimate.

“There is a requirement to move more funding into this scheme,” he said.

The new interchange has to be built by March 31 next year to meet the terms of a £750,000 Welsh Government contribution.

Cabinet members approved the revised £1.1m cost and contract negotiations will now get under way.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Thomas, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said the revised cost was due to extra diversionary works being required and more expensive carriageway construction material.

He said work should start on January 6 next year.

The interchange currently comprises a double mini-roundabout at the junction of Townhill Road and Cockett, and a linked mini-roundabout on the junction of Vivian Road and Tycoch Road.

They will be replaced by two traffic light junctions.

Thousands of people use the sloping interchange every day, and queues are common.

According to the council, waiting times could quadruple in the years ahead if changes are not made.

The new-look interchange will have a right turn from Townhill Road onto Cockett Road, unlike the original design, and will be more pedestrian-friendly than currently.

Speaking in August ahead of a public meeting about the scheme, a council spokesman said: “We have a number of large employment zones nearby such as a college, university and hospital and it is essential that this main route is upgraded to keep traffic flows moving more efficiently.”