A40 Halfway Soil Stabilisation Works: Frequently Asked Questions

The slope along the A40 between Halfway and Llandovery is deteriorating due to small landslides. This section of road needs to be repaired and stabilised as soon as possible. Works involve:

Cutting into the current slope
Using soil nailing techniques to prevent further deterioration.
Installing a new drainage system and safety barrier

This work is necessary to ensure the safety and long-term stability of the road, preventing further deterioration that could result in a long-term closure. The design for the permanent repair is complete, and road closures are required for specific aspects of the work.

1) Why does the A40 need to be closed?

The A40 in this section is less than 7 meters wide, with limited space on both sides: a slope to the westbound side and an embankment with the River Gwydderig on the eastbound side. The entire width of the road is required to safely carry out the necessary work. Road closures have been programmed to avoid daytime weekday periods and minimised disruption as much as possible. Outside the essential road closure periods, works will be undertaken with a single lane closure using temporary traffic signals to maintain access through the works during weekday periods. A temporary 40mph speed limit will also be in place during the scheme duration. The westbound lane closure will need to remain in place outside of the road closure periods to protect road users from the temporary instability of the cutting slope while the works are being undertaken. This will be reviewed as the work progresses and the lane closure will be removed whenever possible during the scheme duration.

2) Will pedestrians and cyclists be able to travel through during the road closure?

There are no existing pedestrian facilities on this section of the road given the rural location of the site. Access through the works for cyclists will be maintained when possible and will be dependant on the activity being undertaken at that time.

3) Can emergency vehicles travel through during the closure?

Access through the works will be provided to emergency vehicles during the road closure periods.

4) What is being done to lessen the impact on school bus services?

Road closures have been planned for weekends and evenings to avoid disrupting the school bus services.

5) What are the contractors’ working hours during the closure?

The contractors will be working from 7am to 6pm during the road closure. This will allow the works to be completed as soon as possible. Due to the challenging nature of the work, which involves operating on steep slopes and removing large trees and root systems, it is not safe to carry out these tasks at night. The daytime schedule ensures both the safety of the workforce and the timely progress of the project.

6) Why is the diversion route so long?

Due to the limited number of trunk roads (major A roads) in this part of Wales, the diversion route is necessarily long. However, heavy goods vehicles must follow this route, as there are no suitable alternatives on the trunk road network. Clear signage will also indicate that large vehicles cannot fit through certain areas, directing them to the proper diversion.