Work to switch eight Swansea city centre roads from one-way traffic to two-way has been postponed.
It has been decided that, in the light of the coronavirus outbreak and after detailed discussions between Swansea Council, suppliers and contractors, that the proposed traffic switch planned for April 5 has been postponed.
A number of important new road signs and other materials cannot be supplied to the council right now due to coronavirus-related matters.
The move follows an earlier decision by main contractor Griffiths to temporarily suspend work on the site for 48 hours because they were unable at the time to comply with Government social distancing instructions.
The work – an overnight operation involving council officers and a range of suppliers and contractors – will be rescheduled.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We spoke at length with suppliers and contractors and it was clear that the emerging position meant the switch should be rescheduled.
“The Kingsway and its neighbouring roads have been used safely in their present layout and this should remain the case for the remainder of the coronavirus situation. The city centre remains accessible for those who need to be there.
“I thank residents, businesses and other users of The Kingsway area for their understanding. We are in unprecedented times and the council is here for the people of Swansea. I’m confident people will understand that the most important thing is that we do all we can to provide the most critical services needed at this time.
“We’re all committed to completing the transformation of The Kingsway and we’re nearly there. But now is not the right time to do the two-way switch.”
The switch to two-way traffic is part of a £12m scheme that will help deliver Swansea city centre regeneration plans.
The operation to change to two-way traffic, being planned and managed by the council, will mean that the Kingsway Infrastructure Project will be practically complete.
The major overnight operation to make The Kingsway area largely two-way was due to take place on the Saturday night/Sunday morning of April 4/5. This will be rescheduled.
Residents had been starting to plot their new routes through the new layout with the use of a council map illustrating the new traffic flows. This will remain valid for when the switch takes place.
The switch to two-way traffic will allow more direct journeys across the city and help reduce traffic on The Kingsway.
The roads involved are The Kingsway, Orchard Street, Christina Street, Mansel Street, De La Beche Street, Grove Place, Alexandra Road and Belle Vue Way. Cradock St will change its one-way direction. The junction of Pleasant Street and Orchard Street will close.