Swansea motorists set for improved main road as arena work progresses

Motorists will soon have a smooth new surface on a key Swansea road as one of the city’s main gateways is given a smart new look.

Contractors will resurface a stretch of Oystermouth Road near the LC and emerging new arena – and, as part of the work, will create entrances and exits for two new car parks.

It will mean a better driving experience for the thousands who use the main road every day – and a better first impression for visitors.

Drainage will be improved on this part of the road and the access works will be a major step forward for the two Copr Bay car parks due to open this autumn bringing hundreds of new parking spaces.

The new-look city gateway – complete with the striking new Copr Bay bridge – will, in due course, feature the 3,500-capacty arena complete with a gold-coloured outer shell featuring a 360-degree display of around 95,000 LEDs, living walls along the side of a new car park and new parkland on top of the car park.

The work is being carried out for Swansea Council which is developing Copr Bay.

Council cabinet member Mark Thomas said: “Motorists tell us they want the best possible road surfaces and we’ve undertaken a great amount of resurfacing around the city in recent months as part of the £5.3m we’re investing in roads across the city this year.

“With the arena nearing completion as part of the £135m Copr Bay regeneration scheme, now is the time to improve that part of Oystermouth Road and to create these entrances and exits for the new car parks.

“We thank motorists and local residents in advance for their understanding as our contractors undertake the work – and they aim to keep disturbance to a minimum.

“The work will help deliver a stunning new gateway to the city that shows visitors that this is the place to live, to work and to spend quality free time.”

The road works are due to take place along a stretch of several hundred yards from September 20 to around October 18.

They will see Oystermouth Road partially closed every weekday night from 7pm-6am between its junctions with West Way and Princess Way.

The first phase, from September 20, will see all westbound lanes on this section closed and diversions in place; the second phase will see the eastbound lanes closed in this section and diversions in place.

Diversions will be signposted, using West Way, The Kingsway, Mansel Street, New Orchard Road and New Cut Road.

Access will be maintained at all times for emergency vehicles, pedestrians and residents. Access to the Quadrant multi-storey car park, to Tesco Marina and to the Marina will be unaffected.

Local businesses and public transport companies have been informed.