Member Article

Civil engineering firm begins work on key highways scheme

A Ruthin-based civil engineering company has begun improvement works on a busy North Wales junction on the A55.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK was awarded the contract by the Welsh Government to make junction 19 of the A55 safer for commuters and to help manage congestion.

The upgrades on the Black Cat Roundabout, where the A470 meets the A55 in Llandudno Junction, is expected to last for four months. The plans have been brought forward due to quieter traffic levels as a result of COVID-19.

The work will include widening the roundabout, the construction of safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, the installation of traffic signals at key locations and an upgrade from the current street lighting to an energy-efficient LED alternative.

The routes for cyclists and pedestrians will also link with the current path on the A470 to encourage active travel in the area.

Traffic signals will help manage congestion on the off slips, reducing the length of queues and the traffic speed to improve safety on the roundabout.

Rhys Roberts, project manager at Jones Bros, said: “As a North Wales-based company, it’s fantastic to have been appointed by the Welsh Government to carry out the much-needed highways works.

“We will be working closely with North and Mid-Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) and Conwy County Borough Council, as well as operating through extended day shifts to minimise disruption for commuters.”

Jones Bros has put measures in place to adhere to government COVID-19 regulations, including site specific risk assessments, social distancing and suitable hygiene and welfare facilities.

If the coronavirus restrictions are eased and traffic increases, Jones Bros will modify its way of working to ensure disruption continues to be kept to a minimum.

Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “This is an important scheme on a very busy junction where two of our major roads meet.

“The scheme will encourage walking and cycling by making the junction safer.

“Traffic speeds will also be lowered as a result of the improvements, helping reduce the number of accidents.

“This is the first of our pinch point schemes to go ahead and it will deliver a real difference to all forms of transport once completed.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros’ leadership team consists of members of the second and third generations of the founding family. It employs more than 400 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced more than 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .