A NORTH Wales MS has warned of the potential 'chaos' which could lie in wait for drivers as overnight closures get underway on the A5 in Llangollen.

It has been announced by Traffic Wales that ongoing work to strengthen the retaining walls at the east of the town will lead to a section of the trunk route being closed.

The closure will be in place from this evening (Monday, April 4) and then every night between 7pm and 6am until Saturday, April 9.

Read more: Llangollen: 'Nightmare' A483 diversion slammed by residents

This will allow contractors to resurface the carriageway before the work is completed on April 14.

North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd has warned that should a diversion route close unexpectedly during the work, it could lead to 'chaos' in the town.

During a trio of storms in February, Llangollen became gridlocked. Motorists driving through the area faced a 15-mile diversion due to a road closure in both directions on the A483.

The Dee Viaduct was closed due to Storm Eunice, meaning traffic was diverted via the A5 through Llangollen and Chirk.

The Leader:

PIC: Gridlock in Llangollen in February.

Diversions for the latest work in the town will be in place via the A483 and A539, according to Traffic Wales.

Llyr Gruffydd MS said: "There have been plenty of warnings about the lack of alternatives to the A483 since the Newbridge road was closed due to a landslip 15 months ago.

"This night-time road closure in and out of Llangollen on the A5 could mean chaos if the A483 is closed due to an unexpected incident or bad weather."

He added: "Both Wrexham Council and the Welsh Government have been saying that work is ongoing on finding funding for the B5605 through Newbridge.

"I would suggest that there needs to be a greater degree of urgency about their work as local communities are suffering the consequences.

Read more: Llangollen bridge: Repairs completed after damage caused last week

"We recently saw gridlock in Llangollen due to a bridge strike and the nature of the Vale of Llangollen means there are very few crossing points for the Dee.

"I would urge the Welsh Government to urgently respond to the business case submitted by Wrexham Council with a view to commencing work on re-opening the B5605. That would avoid gridlock problems along the Dee valley and provide a much-needed relief road for the A483."

Traffic Wales says it would not have been possible to carry the work on the A5 under the usual lane closures due to the narrowness of the road at this point.