PEDESTRIAN crossings could be introduced at two busy roundabouts in Flintshire.

Engineering consultant Mott MacDonald is working on behalf of North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent to undertake an optioneering study which identifies potential improvements to active travel facilities at Ewloe and Wylfa roundabouts.

Situated on the A494 in Ewloe, it is a large roundabout connecting the B5125 and B5127 with the A494 which passes over the top of the roundabout on a structure.

In terms of existing active travel provisions, there is a shared use footway (known as Aston Hill) to the north of the east-bound A494 on-slip. Crossing facilities across the arms of the roundabout are lacking with dropped kerbs on most but no tactile paving and any form of control.

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An optioneering study has been undertaken where options have been scored against Welsh Government policy and operational criteria to determine the preferred scheme. The highest scoring option comprises the following modifications:

  • Toucan crossings on all slip roads to / from the A494 including full signalisation of the off-slip arms.
  • Toucan crossings on the two north easterly arms (Old Mold Road and Liverpool Road).
  • Raised (uncontrolled) crossing of Holywell Road to the northwest of the roundabout.

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  • Dutch style roundabout to the south with parallel crossings on all arms.
  • The scheme also assumes the footways beneath the A494 can be widened to provide a minimum 3m wide shared use facility. As noted on the plan, this is subject to structural assessment and detailed design to confirm a workable solution exists.

The Leader: A similar scheme is also planned for the Wylfa roundabout, in Mold. 

The six-arm roundabout connects Mold (to the west) with Mynydd Isa (to the east). Similar to Ewloe, facilities for pedestrians and cyclists are lacking and limited to dropped (uncontrolled) crossings. Mott MacDonald said high approach speeds make the roundabout an "unsafe and unattractive" place for cyclists and pedestrians. 

The preferred option for the Wylfa roundabout comprises the following modifications:

  • Toucan crossing positioned on Mold Road to the east.
  • Toucan crossing positioned across the northern A494 arm.
  • Raised / uncontrolled crossing of the access to the filling station.
  • Toucan crossing positioned on Chester Road to the west.

Mott MacDonald is looking for the views of members of the public regarding the proposals. This online public consultation event is running from Monday, November 21 until Sunday, December 18. Please send through any comments or queries to flintshireactivetravel@mottmac.com.

The Leader: The corssing plans for the Wylfa roundabout in Mold. The corssing plans for the Wylfa roundabout in Mold. (Image: Mott MacDonald)