A487 Royal Oak Culvert Replacement Enabling Works Frequently Asked Questions

26 September 2024

FAQs

South Wales

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The culvert work is needed to replace the existing structure, which contains structural defects. Replacing it will ensure uninterrupted flow of the watercourse and prevent issues such as flooding or road collapses. The new culvert will provide long-term stability for the road and surrounding area, helping to protect nearby properties and maintain stability of essential services like water and sewage systems that pass through the culvert.

Telecommunications equipment will need to be diverted before the main culvert replacement work can begin in 2025.

The main culvert work is set to begin in January 2025 and will involve excavating the road, removing the old culvert, stabilising the nearby ground, building the new culvert, and then rebuilding the road. Further updates will be provided closer to the time.

1) Will telecommunications, gas, water supply and sewage be impacted during the culvert work ?

There will be no significant impact on these services. We have been coordinating with Dŵr Cymru for months, as their sewer and freshwater mains run through the existing culvert. Temporary measures will be in place during the culvert replacement to prevent disruptions to these services. Openreach will ensure that telecommunications services are maintained, and any necessary gas line adjustments will be managed to prevent service interruptions.

2) How will people who live along the closed section of road access their homes?

We have already been in contact with those residents who live directly adjacent to the culvert and who shall be directly affected by the works. Whilst there shall be no direct access within the vicinity of the culvert works area, and no access across the culvert, access for residents/businesses will be maintained locally. This may be east side access only for those properties on the east of the culvert, and access via the west side only (for these properties on the west side of the culvert). Whilst the A487 will be shut between Market St and Parrog Rd, access only for the properties/businesses will be available.

3) How will the closure impact buses, emergency vehicles, deliveries and waste collection?

We are working with Pembrokeshire County Council and transport services to find alternative arrangements for transport and other services in the area. We have also met with key stakeholders, including emergency services, to ensure everyone is aware of the closures and the alternative plans in place. Additionally, works will be limited to Sundays during the first phase of the works to help minimise disruption.

4) How are people supposed to get local businesses on the closed section of road?

Access will be maintained for local businesses, though pedestrians may need to use an alternative route, and cars will follow local diversions. Trunk road traffic will use the designated diversion. Only one business, located very close to the culvert, will be directly affected. We’re in contact with the owner to manage this.

5) Will the works be noisy or dusty?

All works will follow the Construction Design Management regulations 2015, including dust control measures. While there will be some noise, it will be kept to a minimum and limited to daytime hours to reduce disruption.

6) Will there be any parking restrictions?

Parking restrictions will be in place on Market Street during the A487 closure, as two-way traffic will not be possible with cars parked on the street while traffic lights are in operation.

7) Why is the diversion route so long and how will trunk road traffic be informed?

The diversion route information will be widely publicised. Due to the limited number of trunk 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.