Hard times ahead for local motorists (From Free Press Series)

Hard times ahead for local motorists

PONTYPOOL motorists will face up to six weeks disruption following the collapse of a water culvert next to a busy road in the town.

The southbound section of the A4043, from the Albion Road roundabout to where it meets the A4072, was forced to close on Saturday after the appearance of the large hole.

Traffic is being directed to the Clarence roundabout to rejoin the A4072 at Pontymoile.

Torfaen Council is urging people to help ease rush hour congestion by minimising car journeys at peak times.

Cllr John Cummingham, executive member for operational services, explained the six metre deep and four metre wide hole, is the result of damage to a culvert which takes water from old mine workings.

He said: "Temporary repairs were scheduled to be undertaken at the weekend to make the culvert safe for permanent repair work to be completed. Unfortunately a further collapse occurred which meant the closure of part of the A4043 for safety reasons."

Work has now begun to stabilise the area before repairs can go ahead. Cllr Cunningham added: "Unfortunately the work, which will take four to six weeks, may be longer if we have heavy rain, will cause severe traffic congestion at peak periods."

Cllr Cunningham apologised for the inconvenience motorists will suffer and assured the road will reopen as soon as possible.