Number: WG40360

Welsh Government Consultation Document

A483 Bypass Junction 3 to 6 Improvement Scheme

Date of issue: 25 August 2020 Action Required: Responses by 22 November 2020

Mae’r ddogfen yma hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg. This document is also available in Welsh.

© Crown Copyright

© Crown Copyright Overview The North and Mid Trunk Road Agent, on behalf of the Welsh Government is currently investigating options to improve the A483 Wrexham Bypass Junctions 3 to 6.

How to respond The Public Consultation includes a set of specific questions to which the Welsh Government would welcome your response by 22 November 2020. You can reply in the following ways:

Online: Complete the Response Form on the project website: https://gov.wales/a483-junctions-3-6-improvements

Email: Complete the Response Form at the end of this document and email to ‘[email protected] using the subject ‘A483 Wrexham Bypass’

Post: Complete the Response Form at the end of this document and post to:

A483 Wrexham Bypass Scheme Transport, Welsh Government, Government Buildings, Sarn Mynach, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9RZ

Further information Large print, Braille and alternative language versions of and related this document are available on request. documents Project Website: gov.wales/a483-junctions-3-6-overview

Contact details For further information:

Email: ‘’[email protected]’ using the subject ‘A483 Wrexham Bypass’

Telephone: 01492 588319

This document is also available in Welsh General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The Welsh Government will be data controller for any personal data you provide as part of your response to the consultation. Welsh Ministers have statutory powers they will rely on to process this personal data which will enable them to make informed decisions about how they exercise their public functions. Any response you send us will be seen in full by Welsh Government staff dealing with the issues which this consultation is about or planning future consultations. Where the Welsh Government undertakes further analysis of consultation responses then this work may be commissioned to be carried out by an accredited third party (e.g. a research organisation or a consultancy company). Any such work will only be undertaken under contract. Welsh Government’s standard terms and conditions for such contracts set out strict requirements for the processing and safekeeping of personal data. In order to show that the consultation was carried out properly, the Welsh Government intends to publish a summary of the responses to this document. We may also publish responses in full. Normally, the name and address (or part of the address) of the person or organisation who sent the response are published with the response. If you do not want your name or address published, please tell us this in writing when you send your response. We will then redact them before publishing. You should also be aware of our responsibilities under Freedom of Information legislation If your details are published as part of the consultation response then these published reports will be retained indefinitely. Any of your data held otherwise by Welsh Government will be kept for no more than three years. Your rights Under the data protection legislation, you have the right: • to be informed of the personal data held about you and to access it • to require us to rectify inaccuracies in that data • to (in certain circumstances) object to or restrict processing • for (in certain circumstances) your data to be ‘erased’ • to (in certain circumstances) data portability • to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who is our independent regulator for data protection. For further details about the information the Welsh Government holds and its use, or if you want to exercise your rights under the GDPR, please see contact details below: Data Protection Officer: Welsh Government Cathays Park CARDIFF CF10 3NQ e-mail: [email protected]

The contact details for the Information Commissioner’s Office are: Wycliffe House Water Lane Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF Tel: 01625 545 745 or 0303 123 1113 Website: https://ico.org.uk/ Welcome and Introduction

Welcome The Welsh Government and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent welcome you to this public consultation. We are holding this public consultation to present our proposed options for improving junctions 3-6 of the A483 and are seeking your feedback on our proposals. The consultation will run until midnight on Sunday 22nd November 2020.

Introduction and brief overview The A483 forms part of the trunk road network in Wales, managed by the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) on behalf of Welsh Government. The A483 provides one of the key connecting routes between North and South Wales, as well as providing access into and the Midlands. This road is a key route for tourists travelling to popular North Wales destinations and for freight accessing UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. The A483 is located to the West of and Junction 3-6 are the local connections to this highway network. This section of trunk road carries 58,000 vehicles per day, with junctions 4, 5 and 6 experiencing peak time vehicle congestion, restricting access to and from Wrexham.

• 1 Scheme Outline

Welsh Government and Wrexham CBC are concerned by current and future predicted road-based congestion at the junctions on the A483 and the impact this is having on the growth aspirations for both Wrexham and the wider North Wales region.

Recent studies, such as the Wrexham A483 Junctions Economic Impact Report (April 2016), have confirmed that traffic congestion is a constraint to economic growth aspirations in Wrexham. Further work was undertaken in 2017 to outline the issues affecting the A483 and their main contributory factors. This WelTAG Stage 1 assessment set out objectives in relation to these issues and proposed solutions to achieve the objectives. A long list of options was developed and assessed, which identified the A483 between Junction 3 to 6, and associated junctions, as key areas to improve. A483 Wrexham Bypass – Junction 3 to 6 is a pinch point scheme included in the Welsh Government – National Transport Finance Plan and the Moving North Wales Forward document. Moving North Wales Forward sets out the Welsh Government’s vision for transport in North Wales and seeks to create a reliable and efficient transport network across the region and across the Wales-England border, connecting people and businesses to jobs and services. This scheme is a key measure within this vision and will form an important part of plans to support the success of North Wales in the future.

• 2 Why the scheme is needed?

From stakeholder engagement and work carried out in WelTAG Stage 1 and 2, Scheme Objectives the following key issues were identified in relation to the A483 Wrexham Bypass: A set of scheme objectives have been developed through work carried out to understand the issues related to the scheme, along with reference to the Well-being of • Local traffic congestion in Wrexham, particularly at Junctions 4 and 5 Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. The final objectives set to address the issues identified include: • Strategic traffic congestion on the A483 • Economic growth and development in Wrexham restricted by congestion on the A483 • Poor active mode travel infrastructure over the A483 1. Support and enable the LDP growth aspirations of • Poor public transport infrastructure in Wrexham Wrexham

It is our view that if we do nothing, these issues will continue to impact the residents and businesses in Wrexham. 2. Maintain the strategic function of the A483/A5 by improving resilience and journey time reliability

3. Improve air quality and noise impact along A483 between Junctions 3 and 6

4. Reduce the high car mode share for journeys starting or ending within the Wrexham CBC area that use the A483 and its junctions

5. Ensure that the A483 is effective in serving local movements

6. Enhance connectivity, accessibility and transport network coherence for journeys that cross the A483

7. Minimise disruption during construction

8. Have no adverse impact on safety (personal injury accidents) and reduce the level of incidents

• 3 Environmental Impacts

Understanding the impact of the proposed scheme on the environment and community is an important part of our work, so that we minimise negative effects and identify opportunities to improve the surroundings where we can. J6 We have identified the environmental constraints shown in this plan, and carried out a range of environmental studies to give A5156 us the information we used to appraise the proposals. We have also consulted statutory and other bodies to obtain information and advice. This work will be reported to consultees, and used to A483 determine what further work would be needed if a scheme is taken forward. The constraints include: • Residential areas and public open space near the A483 at , west of Berse Road and between Junctions 5 and 6 ( Road to A5156 Holt Road); J5 • Ysbyty Maelor and Yale Hospital; • Old mineral workings including opencast coal mining at Plas Power Park, collieries, sand gravel and clay pits J4 • Possible contaminated ground associated with historic industries and railway lines A525 • Registered Historic Park and Garden (National Trust property) • Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings including Lower Berse Farmhouse, Ironworks, Bersham Colliery headframe, Croesnewydd Hall

KeyEglurhad / Key: • Statutory protected wildlife sites including Gatewen Marsh ConservationCadwraeth and a bywyd Wildlife gwyllt / Conservation and wildlife Safle o Ddiddordeb Gwyddonol Arbenning SSSI and Stryt Las a’r Hafod SSSI, and Clywedog, Gwenfro, Site of Special Scientific Interest *1 Ardal Cadwraeth Arbenning A5152 Special Area of Conservation *1 Coetir Hanesyddol Redbrook and Alyn rivers which feed the River Dee and Bala 1 Ancient Woodland * Lake SAC J3 TirweddLandscape a andthreftadaeth Heritage / Landscape and heritage Parc a Gardd Hanesyddol Historic Park and Garden *2

Heneb Cofrestredig • Other local wildlife interest including bats, Great Crested Newts, Scheduled Monument *2 Ardal Cadwraeth Conservation Area *2 Badgers, Otters and other species and their habitats Adeilad Rhestredig Listed Building *2 Cymunedau a defnydd o dir / • Land used for agriculture, business and designated for future Communities and land use Hawliau Tramwy Cyhoeddus neu Llwybr Troed Strategol Public Rights of Way or Promoted Route*3,4 employment or housing Parc Gwledig Country Park *4

Atgynyrchwyd y gwybodaeth gyda chaniatad: Source data reproduced with permission of:

• Public footpaths for recreation and active travel to work or local *1 CyfoethNatural ResourcesNaturiol Cymru Wales / Natural Resources Wales *2 Cadw *3 LongLDWA Distance Walkers Association facilities 4 * WrexhamCyngor Bwrdeistref County Borough Sirol Wrecsam Council / Council 0 400300200100 500 750 1,000 m

Based upon the Ordnance Survey OpenMap Local with the permission of the Controller of BufferFixed (1Distance km) Buffer (1 km) Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown copyright reserved. Licence No. AL100004963

• 4 Developing a solution

Through our understanding of the current issues and future challenges, we Problem Identification / Objective Settings identified potential options which aim to deliver the scheme objectives. These options were assessed using the Welsh Government’s transport appraisal guidance, WelTAG, which ensures public sector funding offers: Public Information Event

• Good value for money; • Transport, economic, social and environmental benefits; and Identification and Assessment of the Long List of Options • Maximum benefit with minimal impact. Assessment of the Short List of Options A total of 56 options were initially identified which covered a variety of themes. Themes of these options included highway improvements at junctions 3-6, carriageway widening of the A483 mainline and other minor upgrades such as improved signage, variable speed limits and additional provision for walkers and Junction 3 Junction 4 Junction 5 Junction 6 cyclists. (Wrexham Road) (Ruthin Road) ( Roundabout (A5165 Gresford / Mold Road) Interchange) Through a process of engineering, transport and environmental appraisal, options were assessed to identify a short list, discounting those options which did not address the scheme objectives. Through further refinement of the short list and consultation with key stakeholders, preferred scheme options were selected which best deliver the scheme objectives. The preferred package of schemes • Additional flare lane • Replace existing • Signals proposed for • Additional lane would improve access into Wrexham, improve journey times and provide new on B5605 approach junction with new Mold Road entry to on Chester Road to roundabout gyratory retaining the junction southbound approach active travel links for local residents. The proposals being presented can be the existing A525 and the Blue Bell Lane constructed and delivered with minimal impact on existing traffic. • Reduces congestion overbridge • Active travel approach on approach to improvements for Using this assessment, the following options have been identified: junction • Improve the walking east/west access • Improve walking and and cycling provision cycling provision • Junction 3 (Wrexham Road): Minor highway improvements with active • Active travel along the A525 • Improved improvements for across the A483 signalisation of the travel improvements east/west access Plas Coch circulatory • Junction 4 (Ruthin Road): Major highway improvements with active travel improvements • Junction 5 (Plas Coch Roundabout / Mold Road): Active travel improvements • Junction 6 (A5156 / Gresford Interchange): Minor highway improvements with active travel improvements

• 5 Proposed Scheme for Junction 3 (Wrexham Road)

Shared Use 3 metre footway

Uncontrolled crossing Uncontrolled crossing

Shared Use 3 metre footway Existing crossing point upgraded Shared Use 3 metre footway # Wrexham Road

Road widening to 3 lanes

Existing crossing point upgraded

Connection to existing active travel network Junction 3 (Wrexham Road)

Wrexham Road Connection to existing active travel network

t

Key to symbols

New carriageway layout

New shared use cycleway/ footway

New verge/embankment/earthworks

Source: ESRI, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, ONES/ Airbus DS, USDA, AeroGRIB, IGN and the GIS User Community

• 6

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community. Proposed Scheme for Junction 4 (Ruthin Road)

3 metre shared use footway connecting to existing active travel network

LC Proposed Heritage Way/A525 Roundabout

Existing Junction 4 overbridge to remain open. Traffic narrowed to one 3 metre shared use footway lane each way and shared use footway/cycleway upgrade.

Indicative Western Gateway Highways and Active Travel Link - Provided by seperate local scheme Existing Junction 4 slip roads to be decommissioned

Proposed access for Lower Berse Farm

Lower Berse Farm Proposed Western Gateway/A525 Roundabout

Proposed Junction 4

Proposed shared use 3 metre shared use footway footway under carriageway t B5098 Berse Lane stopped up to vehicle traffic and connects to proposed shared Key to symbols use cycleway/footway. New carriageway layout

New shared use cycleway/ footway Existing watercourse to be culverted Ruthin Road

New Roundabout - Indicative New verge/embankment/earthworks Source: ESRI, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, ONES/ access for future housing site Airbus DS, USDA, AeroGRIB, IGN and the GIS User Community

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community. • 7 Proposed Scheme for Junction 5 (Plas Coch Roundabout / Mold Road)

Existing footway to be upgraded

Summerhill Road

Connection to existing active travel network

Mold Road Interchange

3 metre shared use footway Proposed signals for Mold Road Entry and Junction 5 Circulatory 2.5 metre shared use footway

Proposed uncontrolled crossing

Proposed controlled crossing

Proposed uncontrolled crossing

Existing controlled crossing Connection to existing active travel network 3 metre shared use footway Plas Coch Roundabout

Proposed signals for Berse Road Entry and Plas Coch Circulatory Proposed controlled crossing

t

Key to symbols

Proposed controlled crossing New carriageway layout

New shared use cycleway/ footway

Existing controlled crossing Mold Road New verge/embankment/earthworks Berse Road Source: ESRI, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, ONES/ Airbus DS, USDA, AeroGRIB, IGN and the GIS User Community

• 8

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community.

Proposed scheme for Junction 6 (A5156 / Gresford Interchange) Chester Road Chester

Proposed 3 metre shared use upgrade

Proposed uncontrolled crossing

Carriageway widening - Extended flares

Carriageway widening - Extended flares Gresford Interchange Connection to existing active travel network

Proposed uncontrolled crossing

Proposed 3 metre shared use upgrade

A5156

t

Key to symbols

New carriageway layout Proposed 3 metre shared use upgrade

New shared use cycleway/ footway Connection to existing active travel network

New verge/embankment/earthworks Source: ESRI, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, ONES/ Airbus DS, USDA, AeroGRIB, IGN and the GIS User Community

• 9

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community.

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus Geographics, Earthstar GeoEye, DigitalGlobe, Esri, Source: DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community. User GIS the and IGN, AeroGRID, USGS, USDA, DS,

Traffic Flows

Key Traffic Flow Information 1,000 2018 - Annual Average Daily Traffic Flow • All traffic flows shown were extracted from a validated traffic model 11,000 and are for both directions combined. 13,000 1,000 2037 Do Minimum - Annual Average Daily Traffic Flow 13,000 A525 • Figures in blue represent the modelled average daily traffic flows 15,000 13,000 in 2018. Figures in red represent the predicted average daily traffic 13,000 12,000 1,000 2037 Do Something - Annual Average Daily Traffic Flow flows in 2037 where no highway improvements are made. Figures A5156 16,000 in green represent the predicted average daily traffic flows in 2037, 16,000 Existing Road 15 years after opening. This includes a new junction 4 roundabout J6 and minor improvements at junctions 3, 5 and 6. Existing A483 Mainline • The increase in the traffic flows for figures in red and green is 47,000 A5152 Proposed Junction 4 Location based on general traffic growth and the proposed developments 58,000 that would generate traffic. 57,000 Wrexham • If the existing signalised junction 4 is closed and a new roundabout 55,000 constructed to the south, then this junction will operate more 6,000 A483 63,000 efficiently than the existing junction. 8,000 62,000 8,000 • Road users who have previously used junction 5 would now be able to use junction 4 as this will be free flowing and less congested.

13,000 1 15,000 12,000 17,000 A5152 9,000 15,000 1,000 9,000 16,000 5,000 J5 A525 9,000 9,000

Mold Road 20,000 24,000 21,000 0 57,000 0 69,000 8,000 0 56,000 47,000 67,000 0 68,000 58,000 12,000 23,000 J4 72,000 58,000 27,000 17,000 J3 A483

9,000 17,000 10,000 19,000 14,000 13,000 0 19,000 16,000 0 19,000 15,000 Source: ESRI, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, ONES/ Airbus DS, USDA, AeroGRIB, IGN and the GIS User Community

• 10 How can I comment?

We want to hear what you think about our WelTAG Assessment & Preliminary Design proposals. We can then consider your views 2019 and comments in shaping the final designs. There are several ways you can comment: Public Information Event 1 • Complete the response form online at: gov.wales/a483-junctions-3-6-overview • Email the North and Mid-Wales Trunk Road Environmental Impacts Assessment & Environmental Surveys Agent : [email protected] – please include ‘A483 Wrexham Bypass Scheme’ in the subject line Public Consultation (Presentation of Preferred Options) • In writing to: A483 Wrexham Bypass Scheme, 2020 Transport, Welsh Government, Government Buildings, Sarn Mynach, Llandudno Junction, Draft Orders Published LL31 9RZ 2021 • Request a paper copy of the response form by phoning 01492588319 Public Inquiry Please submit your response by Sunday 22 November 2020.

Draft Orders Published Do Not Continue Next Steps or We will review all comments and suggestions once the consultation feedback window is closed. These Public Orders Exhibition will be analysed and considered as part of the design process. We will also produce a report to summarise the feedback responses. Public Inquiry (Local) The diagram shows our programme of work, we are currently at the Public Consultation stage. Updates on the scheme’s progress will be provided Ministers Decision Letter on the Welsh Government’s project website: gov.wales/a483-junctions-3-6-overview Notice to Treat 2022

Detail Design and Construct

• 11 How can I find out more? We are holding public consultation events where you can view information about the proposed scheme. You can meet our Project Team who will answer any questions you may have. Welsh speakers will also be available at these events. The events will follow the latest Welsh Government guidance on COVID-19. Please check the project website prior to attending the event in case the event is postponed. When/Where Ramada Plaza Hotel, Ellice Way, Wrexham LL13 7YH

Event 1 Wednesday 23 September 2020, 10 AM – 8PM

Event 2 Thursday 24 September 2020, 10 AM – 8PM

How can I comment? We want to hear what you think about our proposed scheme. We can then consider your views and comments in shaping the final design. There are several ways you can comment: • Complete the response form on the project website: gov.wales/a483-junctions- 3-6-overview • Request a paper copy of the response form by calling: 01492 588319 • Attend one of our Consultation Events where paper copies of the response form will be available • Email the North and Mid-Wales Trunk Road Agent : [email protected] using the subject ‘A483 Wrexham Bypass’ • Discussion of the Public Consultation information using Microsoft Teams can also be requested. Email ‘[email protected]’ using the subject ‘A483 Wrexham Bypass – Microsoft Teams Discussion’ • Write to: A483 Wrexham Bypass Scheme, Transport, Welsh Government, Government Buildings, Sarn Mynach, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9RZ

To help shape our final design, please submit your response by 22 November 2020. Next Steps We will review all comments and suggestions once the consultation feedback window is closed. These will be analysed and considered as part of the design process. We will also produce a report to summarise the feedback responses. Updates on the scheme’s progress will be provided on the project website: gov.wales/a483-junctions-3-6-overview

Response Form Part 1: The proposed scheme Q1. Do you have any comments on the preferred scheme for A483 Junction 3 (Wrexham Road)?

Q2. Do you have any comments on the preferred scheme for A483 Junction 4 (Ruthin Road)?

Q3. Do you have any comments on the preferred scheme for A483 Junction 5 (Plas Coch Roundabout / Mold Road)?

Q4. Do you have any comments on the preferred scheme for A483 Junction 6 (A5156 / Gresford Interchange)?

Q5. Do you have any comments relating to the overall pedestrian and cyclist facilities incorporated as part of the scheme plans?

Q6. What are your views on the existing active travel facilities in the area?

Q7. Would the proposals impact upon/change your regular route of travel?

Q8. Do you have any further comments that you would like to make about the proposed scheme?

Response Form Part 2: About you This section is optional but will allow us to understand who has taken part in this consultation. What is your postcode? ______Are you an affected landholder? Yes / No Are you responding on behalf of an organisation? Yes / No

If yes, which organisation?______