A SENIOR Wrexham councillor has called for all works on the A483 in Wrexham to be stopped until a "proper plan" is put in place to manage congestion and diversionary routes.
The Leader has reported this morning on the closure of a section of the road due to overrunning roadworks, which had been expected to be concluded for the day by 6am on Tuesday.
But as of 11.30am, the road remains closed both ways and has queueing traffic between junction 6 (A5156 Gresford Interchange) and B5445 Wrexham Road (Belgrave).
The disruption has seen a severe impact on travel times and heavy congestion in surrounding villages, as commuters and HGV drivers try to find alternative routes to their destinations.
Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for environment at Wrexham Council and ward member for Rossett, told the Leader he has serious concerns about the effect of the tailbacks on emergency service workers' ability to reach incidents, as well as residents who have missed "urgent" hospital appointments.
READ MORE: Overrunning roadworks cause closure of A483 in Wrexham
He said: "As lead member for environment I have responsibility for roads - but the A483 comes under NEWTRA (North East Wales Trunk Road Agency.)
"Officers have called NEWTRA in this morning for a meeting to explain the situation.
"I have asked for the A483 work to be stopped until a proper plan has been put in place regarding timings of road, junction and lane closures.
"People are being stuck this morning, and I have had several residents who have missed urgent hospital appointments.
"At least one ambulance has been stranded with horns and sirens going, but it couldn't get through the traffic.
READ MORE: NINE weeks of roadworks on the A483
"These are serious life and death matters and NEWTRA has not taken the responsible approach to these works.
"NEWTRA needs to put together a proper plan so people know in advance and can make alternative arrangements."
On the issue, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “A traffic management issue was identified last night on the A483 resurfacing project that unfortunately led to the road being closed into today.
“This issue has now been resolved and the carriageway has been reopened with a contraflow arrangement to allow resurfacing works to take place.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption caused.”
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